2019 Senate Bill 261

Increase landfill permit violation penalties

Introduced in the Senate

April 11, 2019

Introduced by Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-7)

To increase the fines on landfill operators for not meeting state environmental law standards or operating permit requirements. The bill would increase current fines of up to $1,000 per day to $10,000 per day, and current fines of up to $10,000 per day to $100,000 per day, and current fines of up to $25,000 per day to $250,000 per day. These are civil not criminal penalties, which means the procedural safeguards available to a criminal defendant do not apply. The bill also raises criminal fines, including authorizing a $2.5 million for knowingly releasing pollution with intent to harm people.

Referred to the Committee on Environmental Quality