The bill amends the Water Code by adding Section 5.517, which grants the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) the authority to issue emergency or temporary orders regarding solid waste disposal and controlled outdoor burning of debris at the request of a county judge following a weather emergency. This provision allows the TCEQ to act regardless of whether a state of disaster or emergency has been declared, ensuring a more responsive approach to managing debris in the aftermath of such events. The commission is required to respond to these requests as soon as practicable.

Additionally, the bill specifies that Section 5.502 does not apply to requests made under this new section, streamlining the process for counties in need of immediate assistance. The provisions of this new section will apply to any weather emergency occurring before, on, or after the effective date of the Act, which is set to take effect 91 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.

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