H.B. No. 1726 amends Section 382.058(c) of the Health and Safety Code to specify who may request a public hearing from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regarding the construction of a concrete plant. The bill allows only representatives of specific entities—such as schools, places of worship, licensed day-care centers, hospitals, or medical facilities—and individuals residing within 880 yards of the proposed plant to request a hearing. The previous requirement of being a resident of a permanent residence within 440 yards has been removed. Additionally, the bill mandates that the commission adopt rules to define who qualifies as a representative of the specified entities.

The changes made by this Act will apply only to permit applications filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on or after the effective date of the new rules. Applications submitted before this date will continue to be governed by the previous law. The Act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 382.058 (Health and Safety Code 382)