H.B. No. 292 seeks to amend the Health and Safety Code by prohibiting the application of biosolids to agricultural land in certain counties in Texas. The bill specifically targets counties with populations between 170,000 and 190,000, as determined by the most recent federal decennial census. It introduces new definitions for "agricultural land" and "biosolids," clarifying that agricultural land includes areas used for food production, animal grazing, and livestock raising. The bill also establishes that biosolids encompass various forms of treated sewage sludge, including Class A, Class AB, and Class B biosolids.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing regulations regarding land application units, changing the focus from agricultural to non-agricultural purposes, such as maintaining public parks and athletic fields. It mandates that permits for land application units include specific reporting requirements, including the cumulative amount of metals applied through Class B sludge. Furthermore, any existing permits allowing the application of biosolids to agricultural land will expire upon the bill's enactment, ensuring compliance with the new restrictions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 361.121 (Health and Safety Code 361)