Overview
- Senate Bill 1550, authored by Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, passed committee unanimously and now moves to the Senate floor.
- County commissioners could impose a burn ban for up to seven days with a unanimous vote after consulting the state agriculture commissioner.
- The proposal broadens drought language from severe or extreme conditions to any drought to ease activation of local bans.
- The bill adds legal protections shielding county commissioners from lawsuits over decisions to enact or decline burn bans.
- Prescribed agricultural burns could continue under an application process, addressing concerns from farmers and ranchers.