The bill amends the Recycling and Illegal Dumping Act, renaming it the "Recycling, Circular Economy and Illegal Dumping Act" to enhance the state's circular economy and improve environmental protections. It introduces new positions within the Department of Environment, specifically a "recycling and waste reduction coordinator" and a "circular economy coordinator," tasked with overseeing the act's implementation. The bill also mandates the Environmental Improvement Board to adopt enforcement rules, including timelines for proposed rule submissions and hearings. Notably, tire recycling facilities will not require separate permits under the Solid Waste Act, promoting collaboration among various stakeholders to address illegal dumping and enhance recycling initiatives.

Additionally, the bill modifies the regulatory framework by requiring the secretary to consider the seriousness of violations and good-faith compliance when assessing penalties. It grants the secretary the authority to issue subpoenas during violation proceedings and specifies penalties for individuals who knowingly violate the act, which may include misdemeanor or felony charges based on the quantity of scrap tires involved. The bill expands grant eligibility to federally recognized nonprofit organizations and clarifies the use of funds from a newly created recycling and illegal dumping fund, emphasizing the importance of abating illegal dumpsites and promoting recycling efforts.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 74-13-1, 74-13-2, 74-13-3, 74-13-6, 74-13-7, 74-13-8, 74-13-10, 74-13-11, 74-13-13, 74-13-14, 74-13-15, 74-13-16, 74-13-17, 74-13-19