The bill, S.B. No. 2386, amends the Water Code to enhance the notification process regarding administrative actions taken by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Specifically, it requires the commission to publish notice of its decisions related to penalties in the Texas Register within ten days of the decision and to notify the state representative and state senator representing the area where the violation occurred. This change aims to ensure that local lawmakers are informed about environmental penalties affecting their constituents.

Additionally, the bill mandates that before the TCEQ approves any administrative order or proposed agreement related to enforcement actions, the commission must allow public written comments on the proposed order or agreement. It also requires the commission to publish notice of this opportunity for public comment in the Texas Register at least 30 days before the comment period closes and to notify the relevant state representatives and senators about the proposed actions. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 7.060, Water Code 7.075 (Water Code 7)