H.B. No. 3866 establishes regulations for the installation and operation of intermediate bulk container recycling facilities in Texas. The bill amends the Water Code to include provisions that ensure these facilities are not located within 2,000 feet of private residences, thereby protecting residential areas from potential hazards associated with such operations. Additionally, it introduces a requirement for facility owners to register their operations with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) at least 30 days before beginning to receive containers, and mandates that the TCEQ conduct inspections every three years to ensure compliance with relevant laws.

The bill also authorizes the TCEQ to impose an annual fee for the registration of these facilities, which will be used to cover the costs of administering the registration program and conducting inspections. Furthermore, it specifies that facilities staging, storing, or processing no more than 50 intermediate bulk containers at any time are exempt from these regulations. 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 (Subchapter I, Chapter , Water Code 26, Water Code 26)
House Committee Report: Water Code 26.341 (Subchapter I, Chapter , Water Code 26, Water Code 26)
Engrossed: Water Code 26.341 (Subchapter I, Chapter , Water Code 26, Water Code 26)
Senate Committee Report: Water Code 26.341 (Subchapter I, Chapter , Water Code 26, Water Code 26)
Enrolled: Water Code 26.341 (Subchapter I, Chapter , Water Code 26, Water Code 26)