The bill, S.B. No. 1773, aims to enhance the enforcement of municipal regulations against illegal dumping by increasing the penalties associated with such violations. Specifically, it amends Section 54.001(b) of the Local Government Code to raise the maximum fine for violations related to the dumping of refuse from $4,000 to $10,000. Additionally, it updates the jurisdictional limits for municipal courts in Sections 29.003(a) and Article 4.14(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, allowing these courts to impose fines up to $10,000 for cases involving illegal dumping, while maintaining the $2,000 limit for other municipal ordinance violations related to fire safety, zoning, or public health and sanitation.

The bill stipulates that the changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any offenses occurring prior to this date will be governed by the previous law. This legislative change is intended to provide municipalities with stronger tools to combat illegal dumping and protect public health and safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 54.001, Government Code 29.003 (Government Code 29, Local Government Code 54)