Legislation Tracker

Bill summary (AI generated)

The proposed legislation focuses on the prohibition of weather modification and control, establishing specific criminal offenses related to such practices. If enacted, the law would ban activities that aim to alter or manipulate weather patterns intentionally. This encompasses various techniques often associated with weather modification, including cloud seeding or other forms of atmospheric manipulation aimed at fostering precipitation, changing storm patterns, or influencing climatic conditions. The bill outlines detailed definitions and conditions regarding what constitutes weather modification, explicitly stating the legal implications tied to any violations. Individuals or organizations found guilty of engaging in prohibited weather modification activities could face criminal charges, thereby pushing for accountability and discouragement of practices that might lead to environmental disruption or risks to public safety. In terms of enforcement, the legislation likely requires state or local authorities to monitor and investigate alleged violations. This could involve collaborations with meteorological agencies to track and assess instances of unauthorized weather modification endeavors. Moreover, the bill emphasizes the significance of public awareness, potentially requiring educational initiatives that inform the public about the dangers and legal consequences of weather manipulation activities. Overall, if this bill becomes law, it would establish a robust framework intended to protect natural weather patterns and maintain ecological stability, theoretically safeguarding both local communities and larger geographical regions from the unpredictable outcomes of interfering with the weather.

History

Expedita nisi dolorum eos. Harum perspiciatis ut unde.

Mon 18 Nov 2024 Filed

Bill text html



	By: Virdell	H.B. No. 1382



	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to a prohibition on weather modification and control;
	creating a criminal offense.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1. Title 9, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding
	Chapter 303 to read as follows:
	CHAPTER 303. WEATHER MODIFICATION AND CONTROL PROHIBITED
	Sec. 303.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "weather
	modification and control" means the injection, release, or
	dispersion, by any means, of a chemical, chemical compound,
	substance, or apparatus for the purpose of affecting temperature,
	weather, or the intensity of sunlight.
	Sec. 303.002. PROHIBITION ON WEATHER MODIFICATION AND
	CONTROL. A person may not engage in weather modification and
	control.
	Sec. 303.003. ENFORCEMENT. (a) A person commits an offense
	if the person violates this chapter.
	(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
	(c) A person commits a separate offense for each day the
	violation occurs.
	SECTION 2. Chapters 301 and 302, Agriculture Code, are
	repealed.
	SECTION 3. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to
	an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. An
	offense committed before the effective date of this Act is governed
	by the law in effect on the date the offense was committed, and the
	former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of
	this section, an offense was committed before the effective date of
	this Act if any element of the offense occurred before that date.
	SECTION 4. (a) An action, including a disciplinary or
	administrative proceeding, pending under Chapter 301, Agriculture
	Code, or Chapter 51, Occupations Code, on the effective date of this
	Act related to a violation of Chapter 301, Agriculture Code, as that
	chapter existed immediately before the effective date of this Act,
	is dismissed.
	(b) An administrative penalty assessed by the Texas
	Commission of Licensing and Regulation before the effective date of
	this Act related to a violation of Chapter 301, Agriculture Code, as
	that chapter existed immediately before the effective date of this
	Act, may be collected as provided by Chapter 51, Occupations Code.
	(c) The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shall
	return to a person who holds a valid license or permit issued under
	Chapter 301, Agriculture Code, as that chapter existed immediately
	before the effective date of this Act, a prorated portion of the fee
	paid to the department for the issuance or renewal of the license or
	permit.
	SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.