This bill addresses the management and transportation of infectious or pathological waste in Minnesota. It introduces new requirements for operators of solid waste management facilities to notify the appropriate agency upon receiving suspected infectious waste, including details such as the date of receipt and the suspected generator. Additionally, the bill mandates unannounced inspections of waste generators by the commissioner, in coordination with the commissioner of health, to ensure compliance with existing management plans. Waste generators are also required to conduct annual internal audits and make these available for review.

Furthermore, the bill establishes significant financial penalties for generators who unlawfully arrange for the transport of infectious waste to unapproved facilities, with fines escalating from $200,000 for a first violation to $2,000,000 for subsequent violations. It stipulates that 50% of the fines collected will be remitted to the facility that received the waste, while the remainder will go to the environmental fund. The bill also includes a provision for a one-time appropriation of $50,000 to develop training materials on the proper management of infectious waste. All new provisions are effective the day following final enactment.

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