This bill amends the existing law regarding penalties for nonpayment of hazardous materials or waste accident expenses. Specifically, it removes the provision for a one-time penalty and replaces it with a new structure that imposes a fee of $1,000 per day for nonpayment after 90 days of nonpayment. This change aims to enhance the financial accountability of parties responsible for hazardous waste incidents, ensuring that municipalities can recover costs associated with emergency responses and legal actions more effectively. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and its fiscal impact is currently indeterminable. While it is expected to increase local revenue through additional fines for nonpayment, the exact amount is uncertain due to the unpredictable nature of hazardous waste incidents and the timing of payments. The Department of Safety has indicated that the bill will not affect its operations. Overall, the legislation seeks to strengthen the financial repercussions for noncompliance in hazardous waste management.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 154:8-a