This bill introduces mandatory background checks for owners, partners, and managers of solid waste and hazardous waste facilities in New Hampshire, repealing and reenacting RSA 147-A:4, II-c and II-d. It requires that permit applications include detailed performance history information and mandates that all applicants and associated individuals undergo comprehensive criminal records checks, including both New Hampshire and national fingerprint-based checks. The Department of Environmental Services is empowered to create rules that may exempt certain permit applications from these requirements. Key definitions are provided for terms such as "owner," "officer," "director," "partner," "member," and "manager," ensuring clarity on who is subject to these checks.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to the permit application process, allowing the department to charge applicants for the costs of performance history reviews and criminal records checks. It establishes that individuals with felony convictions within the last five years may be denied permits and requires prior written approval for permit transfers. The bill also modifies ownership disclosure requirements by replacing "shareholders" with "owners" and including "managers" in the disclosure list. It mandates the destruction of criminal history records within 60 days of a decision on the application and emphasizes the need for applicants to demonstrate reliability, expertise, integrity, and competence. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance oversight and ensure public safety and environmental compliance in the operation of hazardous waste facilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 147-A:4, 147-A:4-b, 149-M:9, 149-M:10
Version adopted by both bodies: 147-A:4, 147-A:4-b, 149-M:9, 149-M:10
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 147-A:4, 147-A:4-b, 149-M:9, 149-M:10
SB644 text: 147-A:4, 147-A:4-b, 149-M:9, 149-M:10