H.B. No. 4485 amends the Water Code to establish new eligibility criteria for dischargers seeking a general permit to discharge waste into or adjacent to Texas waters. The bill introduces a new subsection, (h-1), which stipulates that if the Texas Commission denies or suspends a discharger's authority to operate under a general permit, that discharger cannot be authorized to discharge again under a general permit until five years have passed from the date of the denial or suspension.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that 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. Any denials or suspensions that occur prior to this date will be governed by the existing laws at the time of the action. This change aims to enhance regulatory oversight and accountability for waste discharges into state waters.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 26.040 (Water Code 26)