What this is
Texas HB 290 limits harmful chemicals in farm fertilizers and soil products used in Johnson County.
House Bill 290 is a new Texas law designed to protect Johnson County from harmful chemicals called PFAS. PFAS are found in some fertilizers and soil products used by farmers and landscapers. These chemicals can stay in the environment for a long time and harm water supplies and soil health.
The bill sets specific safety limits for 17 different types of PFAS chemicals. For example, perfluorooctanoic acid cannot exceed 900 parts per trillion in farm products. Perfluorohexane sulfonate has a much stricter limit of just 300 parts per trillion. These limits protect the quality of our soil and water resources.
Manufacturers that make or sell these products in Johnson County must test every batch monthly. The testing is done by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, which is independent and reliable. If a batch exceeds the safety limits, the company must dispose of it properly through a hazardous waste facility or by incineration. This prevents harmful chemicals from reaching our farms and neighborhoods.
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The bill applies to Johnson County because it has a population between 175,000 and 195,000 people. The law also creates penalties for companies that break these rules, making sure everyone follows the safety standards. Our farmers and families benefit from cleaner soil and safer agricultural practices.
Key details
- Perfluorooctanoic acid limit: 900 parts per trillion
- Perfluorohexane sulfonate limit: 300 parts per trillion
- Monthly testing requirement: All manufacturers must submit samples
- County population range: 175,000 to 195,000
- Total PFAS types regulated: 17 different chemical compounds
About Texas Legislature
The Texas Legislature is the state legislature of Texas, consisting of the House of Representatives with 150 members and the Senate with 31 members. Meeting in regular session every two years, the legislature passes stat…
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Why it matters
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How this affects households
Under $30,000
Your family gets cleaner water and safer food from local farms without paying extra costs. This protects your health while keeping grocery bills the same.
$30,000-$60,000
You benefit from safer local food and water sources with no direct costs to your household. Your family's health is better protected from harmful chemicals.
$60,000-$100,000
Your family enjoys cleaner water and safer local agricultural products. There's no direct impact on your household budget from this safety rule.
Over $100,000
You get the same health benefits from cleaner water and safer farm products as everyone else. The costs of testing fall on manufacturers, not consumers.
How to get involved
- 1Start with the snapshot above to know what this is in a glance.
- 2Read why it matters so you can speak to it in your own words.
- 3Weigh in using the button above.
When you call, you can say: “Hi, I saw "Texas Bill to Control PFAS in Farm Products in Johnson County" on Community Exchange and want to know how to take part.”
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