The bill, H.B. No. 2891, proposes to increase administrative, civil, and criminal penalties for violations of statutes, rules, or orders under the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas. Key amendments include raising the maximum penalty for violations not related to pipeline safety from $10,000 to $25,000 per day, and for violations related to pipeline safety, the maximum penalty remains at $200,000 per day. The bill also mandates the Railroad Commission to adopt guidelines for determining penalties, which must include a penalty calculation worksheet and consider various factors such as the seriousness of the violation, the permittee's history of violations, and any economic benefits gained through the violation.

Additionally, the bill amends several sections of the Natural Resources Code and Water Code to reflect these increased penalties, including changes to the daily fines for various violations. The new legal language emphasizes the need for public input on the penalty guidelines and specifies that penalties must be adjusted based on the seriousness of the violation and potential hazards to public health and safety. The changes will only apply to violations committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Natural Resources Code 81.0531, Natural Resources Code 81.058, Natural Resources Code 91.002, Water Code 27.101, Water Code 27.1011, Water Code 27.105 (Water Code 27, Natural Resources Code 81, Natural Resources Code 91)