TITLE: Relating to a study by the Geo-Technology Research Institute on the monitoring, prevention, and removal of floating trash.

SUMMARY: Relating to a study by the Geo-Technology Research Institute on the monitoring, prevention, and removal of floating trash.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a study by the Geo-Technology Research Institute on the monitoring, prevention, and removal of floating trash. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. STUDY. (a) In this section, "floating trash" means human-made trash or debris floating on the waterways of this state. (b) The Geo-Technology Research Institute shall conduct a two-year study on the monitoring, prevention, and removal of floating trash and submit a report of the institute's findings to the 86th Legislature. The report must include: (1) summaries of statutes governing, entities responsible for, and practices for compliance with laws and policies governing the prevention and removal of floating trash; (2) a baseline database developed using available agency resources that contains information on the extent of floating trash, identifying the sources of and any gaps in the data contained in the database; (3) a list of model programs in this state and in other states for the prevention and removal of floating trash; (4) an assessment of the technical and economic feasibility of potential new programs for the prevention and removal of floating trash; and (5) recommendations for: (A) state and municipal goals for the prevention and removal of floating trash; (B) technical assistance required for achieving the goals listed in Paragraph (A); and (C) monitoring and outreach programs for the prevention and removal of floating trash. (c) The Geo-Technology Research Institute shall submit to the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives the report described by Subsection (b) of this section not later than January 1, 2020. SECTION 2. EXPIRATION. This Act expires February 1, 2020. SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.