H.B. No. 3866 amends the Water Code to establish regulations for the installation and operation of intermediate bulk container recycling facilities in Texas. The bill introduces a new section, 26.3445, which defines "intermediate bulk container" and "intermediate bulk container recycling facility." It prohibits the installation or operation of such facilities within 2,000 feet of private residences and requires facility owners to register with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) at least 30 days before beginning operations. The TCEQ is also mandated to conduct inspections of these facilities every three years to ensure compliance with relevant laws.

Additionally, the bill authorizes the TCEQ to impose an annual registration fee for these facilities, which will be deposited into the general revenue fund for water resource management. The legislation includes provisions for facilities that do not stage, store, or process more than 50 intermediate bulk containers, exempting them from the registration requirement. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and the implementation of the Act is contingent upon the legislature appropriating funds specifically for this purpose.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 26.341, Subchapter I, Chapter , Water Code 26.3445 (Water Code 26, Subchapter I, Chapter , Water Code 26)
House Committee Report: Water Code 26.341 (Water Code 26, Subchapter I, Chapter , Water Code 26)
Engrossed: Water Code 26.341 (Water Code 26, Subchapter I, Chapter , Water Code 26)
Senate Committee Report: Water Code 26.341 (Water Code 26, Subchapter I, Chapter , Water Code 26)
Enrolled: Water Code 26.341 (Water Code 26, Subchapter I, Chapter , Water Code 26)