Environment Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-6499
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING RADIATION SECURITY.
Vote Date: 3/12/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/3/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Environment Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
Enter into a multi-state agreement with the federal government to improve the safety and
security of nuclear material. This agreement benefits Connecticut sources to deal with
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), rather than federal entities.
The bill direct fees from going to the federal government and is redirected to the state and
allows a state specific program to be implemented.
Agreement States have entered into an agreement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC) to oversee most types of radioactive material for industrial, healthcare and academic
purposes, and excludes jurisdiction for nuclear power plants and spent nuclear fuel storage.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Katie Dykes, Commissioner, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
On December 10, 2020, Governor Lamont submitted a letter of intent to the NRC to become
an Agreement State. HB6499 amends several statutes required to provide specific
authorities to authorize the Governor to enter an agreement with the NRC and an Agreement
State.
HB6499 authorizes the Governor and DEEP for the monitoring and security of radioactive
materials in industrial, healthcare and academics. The Governor and DEEP are also
responsible for safety and security planning for emergency or terrorist events that may
include radioactive materials.
HB 6499 benefits the state by the following:
o Retaining Funding In-State state keeps $1.2M in fees
o Promoting Accessibility and Responsiveness for Constituents local
control to respond to respond to constituents.
o Streamlining Licensing and Regulatory Procedures - State-level regulatory
oversight of radioactive material eliminates dual regulatory responsibilities.
o Achieving Regulatory Consistency Regionally and Nationally - Consistent
regulatory frameworks between other Agreement States and the NRC.
External Affairs Division Judicial Branch
Requests several technical changes in language with respect to first and second offenses of
Section 4 (b), (c), (d) is changed to subdivisions (i) and (ii). Request is to provide clear and
accurate data for future inquiries.
Request for change in Section 6 (b) and (d), to request venue clarification in line 187 the
Attorney General shall bring a civil action in the superior court for the judicial district of
Harford to recover . . ..
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Ashley Zane, Government Affairs Associate, Connecticut Business Industry
Association
Connecticut Business Industry Association (CBIA) supports centralizing licensing processes
and state level control under HB6499 and Agreement State status. An example is the time it
takes to get an answer to a question, DEEP's current response time is about one month, the
NRC can take eight months or more. Increased access to state inspection and licensing
personnel resolves questions more efficiently.
HB6499 reduces barriers to interstate commerce with the designation of Connecticut as an
Agreement State. Forty states currently belong to the Agreement State including several
surrounding states. HB6499 ensures compatible regulations across state lines and reduces
confusion for business.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Connecticut Hospital Association
HB6499 authorizes Governor Lamont to begin entry into the Agreement State with the NRC.
The state takes over regulation of radioactive materials in the healthcare industry. The
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promised elimination of dual regulations, reduced costs, and streamlined program
administration are commendable, promises may go unrealizes with HB6499.
The NRC maintains highly qualified and trained staff for complex medical use of radioactive
materials. DEEP's ability to hire properly trained and experienced medical physicists to
support the complex medical use of radioactive materials is a challenge. The staff hired by
DEEP need to meet the same standards as DEEP.
Reported by: Steve Smith Date: 3/16/2021
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Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 206:
FIN Joint Favorable: