SB 898 - The act provides an exemption to certain asbestos-related state requirements for businesses that regularly engage in asbestos abatement at their locations and that are subject to federal laws relating to construction work and asbestos. The exemption applies to state requirements for: certification of certain individuals for asbestos-related work, accreditation for asbestos-related training programs, registration as an asbestos abatement contractor, and notification of the Department of Natural Resources for certain-sized asbestos abatement projects. Certain entities are not eligible for the exemption. To receive the exemption, businesses must submit to the Department of Natural Resources information about their asbestos-related employee training programs and their asbestos abatement projects. If the Department determines that the entity does not qualify for the exemption, it may deny the exemption but must notify the entity of the denial within a 180-day timeframe. Entities whose exemptions are denied may appeal. Exempted entities must submit a one-time fee of $250 for the exemption and must submit documentation of any significant changes as they occur over time in their asbestos-related training programs. Entities that receive an exemption before August 28, 2012, are exempt from the fee. The act allows staff of the Department of Natural Resources to attend, without prior notice, any asbestos-related training programs of exempted entities. The act is identical to the same section in TAT/SS/SCS/HB 1251 (2012). ERIKA JAQUES