H.B. No. 482 amends the Water Code to enhance the notification process regarding administrative actions taken by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The bill mandates that when the TCEQ is required to give notice of a penalty, it must not only publish the decision in the Texas Register within ten days but also notify the state representative and state senator representing the area where the violation occurred. Additionally, before the commission approves any administrative order or proposed agreement related to enforcement actions, it is required to allow public written comments and notify the relevant state legislators about the proposed order or agreement.

The bill also specifies that notice of the opportunity for public comment must be published in the Texas Register at least thirty days before the comment period closes. These changes aim to improve transparency and ensure that local representatives are informed about environmental enforcement actions that may affect their constituents. The provisions of this act will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 7.060, Water Code 7.075 (Water Code 7)