SB 445 amends the administrative processes related to environmental regulations, particularly focusing on the authority of the commissioner of the Department of Environmental Services. Key changes include the deletion of the requirement for a hearing before the commissioner can suspend or revoke permits or impose administrative fines, allowing for immediate action based on violations or threats to public health. The bill replaces the previous appeal procedures under RSA 541-A with new provisions that align with RSA 21-O:11, IV for fines and RSA 21-O:14 for permit revocations. This streamlining aims to enhance enforcement efficiency while maintaining the commissioner’s authority to impose fines and revoke permits as necessary.

Additionally, the bill introduces a structured fine schedule for various violations, with maximum fines set at $4,000 for certain offenses and $2,000 for others, while ensuring that proceeds from these fines are directed to the general fund. It also modifies the certification process for wastewater treatment plant operators, shifting responsibilities to the department and establishing a biennial renewal process. Overall, SB 445 seeks to simplify the regulatory framework for environmental management, improve compliance, and clarify the appeal processes for individuals aggrieved by department decisions, all while eliminating previous procedural burdens related to notice and hearings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 125-C:13, 125-C:15, 125-D:4, 125-I:3-a, 125-J:8, 141-E:16, 146-A:15, 146-C:4, 146-C:10-a, 147-A:17-a, 149-M:16, 149-M:38, 332-E:9, 482:89, 482-B:8, 482-B:9, 482-B:16, 483:9-c, 485:42, 485:58, 485-A:7-a, 485-A:7-c, 485-A:28, 485-E:35, 485-A:36, 485-A:40, 485-A:43, 485-A:54, 485-C:2, 485-C:18, 486-A:14, 487:7, 488:8, 489-C:5, 482-A:2, 482-A:13, 483-B:18, 21-M:3, 21-O:14, 541-A:30
As Amended by the Senate: 125-C:13, 125-C:15, 125-D:4, 125-I:3-a, 125-J:8, 141-E:16, 146-A:15, 146-C:4, 146-C:10-a, 147-A:17-a, 149-M:16, 149-M:38, 332-E:9, 482:89, 482-B:8, 482-B:9, 482-B:16, 483:9-c, 485:58, 485-A:7-a, 485-A:7-c, 485-A:28, 485-A:35, 485-A:36, 485-A:40, 485-A:43, 485-A:54, 485-C:2, 485-C:18, 486-A:14, 487:7, 488:8, 489-C:5, 482-A:2, 482-A:13, 483-B:18, 21-M:3, 21-O:14, 541-A:30
As Amended by the House: 125-C:13, 125-C:15, 125-D:4, 125-I:3-a, 125-J:8, 141-E:16, 146-A:15, 146-C:4, 146-C:10-a, 147-A:17-a, 149-M:16, 149-M:38, 332-E:9, 482:89, 482-B:8, 482-B:9, 482-B:16, 483:9-c, 485:58, 485-A:7-a, 485-A:7-c, 485-A:28, 485-A:35, 485-A:36, 485-A:40, 485-A:43, 485-A:54, 485-C:2, 485-C:18, 486-A:14, 487:7, 488:8, 489-C:5, 482-A:2, 482-A:13, 483-B:18, 21-M:3, 21-O:14, 541-A:30
SB445 text: 125-C:13, 125-C:15, 125-D:4, 125-I:3-a, 125-J:8, 141-E:16, 146-A:15, 146-C:4, 146-C:10-a, 147-A:17-a, 149-M:16, 149-M:38, 332-E:9, 482:89, 482-B:8, 482-B:9, 482-B:16, 483:9-c, 485:42, 485:58, 485-A:7-a, 485-A:7-c, 485-A:22, 485-A:28, 485-E:35, 485-A:36, 485-A:40, 485-A:43, 485-A:54, 485-C:2, 485-C:18, 486-A:14, 487:7, 488:8, 489-C:5, 482-A:2, 482-A:3, 482-A:13, 483-B:18, 21-M:3, 21-O:14, 541-A:30