WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1382

Relating to a prohibition on weather modification and control; creating a criminal offense.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Briscoe Cain and 19 co-sponsors

HB 1382 criminalizes weather modification activities in Texas, potentially restricting legitimate cloud seeding and atmospheric interventions used for drought management and agriculture.

Left pending in committee
#agriculture(i0020) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #licensing&regulation #texascommissionof(v0383) #texasdepartmentof(v8529) #occupationalregulation--othertrades&professions(i0541) #weathermodification(s0614)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1382

Legislative bill overview

HB 1382 would prohibit weather modification and control activities in Texas and establish criminal penalties for violations. The bill creates a criminal offense for intentionally or knowingly engaging in weather modification, with the law applying to both individuals and entities operating within the state.

Why is this important

Weather modification—including cloud seeding and other atmospheric interventions—is currently legal and regulated at the federal level through the National Weather Modification Policy and Commission Act. This bill would represent a significant state-level restriction that could affect legitimate agricultural and drought-management practices, potentially limiting Texas's ability to address water scarcity issues that have become increasingly severe in recent years.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of "weather modification" could be interpreted broadly enough to criminalize routine agricultural practices, airline de-icing operations, or legitimate scientific research without clearer language distinguishing intentional modification from incidental atmospheric effects.
  • Federal preemption concerns: Weather regulation falls partially under federal jurisdiction; a state-level prohibition could create legal conflicts with federal programs and interstate weather management agreements already in place.
  • Economic impact: Texas industries including agriculture, aviation, and energy production rely on weather data and some modification techniques for operational planning; a blanket prohibition could impose significant compliance costs and competitive disadvantages.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.