HBA-NRS H.B. 2844 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2844
By: Lewis, Glenn
Public Health
7/11/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The City of Fort Worth is granted authority by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a pilot project named Project XL
that allows the city to develop an alternative method to address asbestos
removal in structures set for demolition. The alternative method currently
considered by the city does not require asbestos removal prior to
demolition, does not adversely affect public health, and saves the city
money in the demolition process.  House Bill 2844 gives the Texas Board of
Health the option of exempting a demolition or renovation project from
state rules relating to asbestos removal or abatement prior to demolition
or renovation.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 2844 amends the Texas Asbestos Health Protection Act to
authorize the Texas Board of Health (board) to exempt a demolition or
renovation project from rules relating to demolition and renovation
activities to protect the public from emissions of asbestos. An exemption
only applies to a project if the United States Environmental Protection
Agency exempts the project from federal regulations or the board determines
that the project will use methods for the abatement or removal of asbestos
that provide protection for the public health and safety at least
equivalent to the protection provided by the procedures required under
board rule for abatement or removal of asbestos and the project does not
violate federal law. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

June 13, 2001.