H.B. No. 292 seeks to amend the Health and Safety Code regarding the application of biosolids to land, specifically prohibiting their application to agricultural land in certain counties. The bill modifies Section 361.121 to clarify that the land application of certain sludge is restricted to non-agricultural purposes, which now includes maintaining public parks, golf courses, and athletic fields. Additionally, it introduces a new section, 361.1211, which specifically prohibits the application of biosolids to agricultural land in counties with populations between 170,000 and 190,000, as determined by the most recent federal census.

The bill also updates definitions related to biosolids, including Class A, Class AB, and Class B sludge, and establishes reporting requirements for permit holders regarding the application of Class B sludge. Permits allowing the application of biosolids to agricultural land will expire upon the enactment of this bill, while other permit provisions will remain effective as long as they do not authorize such applications. The act is set to take effect 91 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.

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