The bill mandates a study on the unlawful shipment of infectious or pathological waste to solid waste management facilities, to be conducted by the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency. The study is required to be submitted by January 15, 2027, and must assess the extent and frequency of such unlawful transfers, the associated costs, and current practices among waste generators for proper segregation of infectious waste. Additionally, the study should provide recommendations for legislative or policy changes aimed at reducing these unlawful transfers, including potential measures such as imposing fines on non-compliant generators and conducting unannounced inspections.

To support this initiative, the bill appropriates $75,000 from the environmental fund for fiscal year 2027 to fund the study. This appropriation is designated as a one-time allocation to ensure the successful completion of the study and the development of effective strategies to address the issue of unlawful waste transportation.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 116.78, 116.79, 116.83
1st Engrossment: 116.78, 116.79, 116.83