SS/SCS/HCS/HBs 516, 290 & 778 - The act modifies provisions relating to the Radioactive Waste Investigation Fund. The act provides that the Fund shall not be used for any costs associated with clean up efforts. The Fund may accept, without limitation, funds from gifts, bequests, and devises.
Requests for investigation relating to radioactive waste contamination may be submitted in writing to the Department of Natural Resources by local governing bodies, local community groups, or individuals located within a specified area of concern.
During the investigation, a sampling and analysis plan by the Department shall be developed to determine if radioactive contaminants in the area of concern exceed federal standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The investigation may include the collection of soil, dust, and water samples from the specified area. Currently, the plan may include dust samples collected inside residential homes. Under the act, the plan may include samples collected on private property.
If the Department has evidence or reasonably suspects that radioactive contaminants are located on property owned by a governmental agency that will not grant access to collect samples, the Department may seek a warrant to access the property to collect the samples.
The act repeals the provision requiring the Department to report the final sampling results to the local governing body requesting the investigation.
The transfer to the Fund from the Hazardous Waste Fund shall not exceed $150,000 per fiscal year. The act repeals the provision relating to investigation costs. Beginning August 28, 2025, moneys to the Fund shall no longer be transferred from the Hazardous Waste Fund and shall be transferred from the General Revenue Fund not to exceed $150,000 per fiscal year, unless any excess is authorized by the General Assembly. Any moneys transferred from the Hazardous Waste Fund remaining in the Fund at the end of the biennium shall revert to the credit of the Hazardous Waste Fund. Moneys received from general revenue, gifts, bequests, devises, or any other source shall remain in the Fund.
The Department shall seek reimbursement of expenses incurred during radioactive waste testing from any federal agency responsible for the site.
The act is similar to a provision in the perfected HB 200 (2025).
JULIA SHEVELEVA