June, 2015

HB 2119 by Rep Lozano & Senator Zaffirini (Passed)

Allows charitable organizations to conduct prescribed burning with volunteers, provided the leader of the burn has completed approved training curriculum and the group maintains insurance coverage established by the Prescribed Burning Board. Allows charitable organizations to achieve insurance coverage for volunteers who participate in the burn under the guidance of a qualified burn manager.

HB 801 by Rep King, K. & Senator Eltife (Passed)

Requires TPWD to adopt and implement general and specific prescribed burn plans, as well as standards for how burns are executed, and sets up a mechanism by which private landowners are reimbursed for damages that occur as a result of department conducted prescribed burns on state owned land.