S.B. No. 1302 amends the Water Code to establish new provisions regarding the eligibility of dischargers to use a general permit for discharging waste into or adjacent to waters in Texas. The bill introduces two new subsections, (h-1) and (h-2), which stipulate that if the commission denies or suspends a discharger's authority to use a general permit, the discharger cannot resume discharging until the executive director actively authorizes them to do so. Furthermore, the executive director is prohibited from using an automatic process to grant this authorization.

The new provisions apply only to denials or suspensions that occur on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. This legislative change aims to enhance oversight and ensure that dischargers are properly authorized before they can resume waste discharges, thereby promoting better environmental protection.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 26.040 (Water Code 26)
Senate Committee Report: Water Code 26.040 (Water Code 26)
Engrossed: Water Code 26.040 (Water Code 26)
House Committee Report: Water Code 26.040 (Water Code 26)
Enrolled: Water Code 26.040 (Water Code 26)