Relating to the definition of "affected person" for purposes of a contested case hearing held by or for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regarding certain environmental permit applications.

HB 3039 clarifies who qualifies as an "affected person" in environmental permit hearings before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). It specifically adds state senators and representatives from the area where a facility is located or proposed to be located to the list of people automatically considered "affected persons" for permit applications under Water Code Sections 5.556 or 5.557. This change applies only to permit applications filed on or after September 1, 2025, with older applications governed by prior law. The bill directly affects local elected officials, TCEQ permit applicants, and individuals seeking to participate in these hearings.