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  H.B. No. 162
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to minimum standards for prescribed burns.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 153.047, Natural Resources Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 153.047.  PRESCRIBED BURNING STANDARDS. Minimum
  standards established by the board for prescribed burning must:
               (1)  ensure that prescribed burning is the controlled
  application of fire to naturally occurring or naturalized
  vegetative fuels under specified environmental conditions in
  accordance with a written prescription plan:
                     (A)  designed to confine the fire to a
  predetermined area and to accomplish planned land management
  objectives; and
                     (B)  that conforms to the standards established
  under this section;
               (2)  if the prescription plan lists a certified and
  insured prescribed burn manager as the burn boss, require that the
  burn boss be [at least one certified and insured prescribed burn
  manager is] present on site during the conduct of the prescribed
  burn;
               (3)  establish appropriate guidelines for size of
  burning crews sufficient to:
                     (A)  conduct the burn in accordance with the
  prescription plan; and
                     (B)  provide adequate protection for the safety of
  persons and of adjacent property;
               (4)  include standards for notification to adjacent
  land owners, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and
  local fire authorities; and
               (5)  include minimum insurance requirements for
  certified and insured prescribed burn managers.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 162 was passed by the House on April
  6, 2023, by the following vote:  Yeas 147, Nays 0, 1 present, not
  voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 162 was passed by the Senate on May
  16, 2023, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
  APPROVED:  _____________________
                     Date          
   
            _____________________
                   Governor