SCS/SB 409 - The current authorization to collect a fee from retailers that sell new tires in Missouri expires on January 1, 2010. This act extends the authorization until January 1, 2020. The act provides that any unexpended balance in the Solid Waste Management Fund shall not be swept into the General Revenue Fund, and interest earned by the Solid Waste Management Fund shall remain in the Fund. Under current law, the Department of Natural Resources may use up to 5% of its portion of the tire fees collected for the purpose of educational programs and curricula. The act specifies that the educational programs must be environmentally-related and assist the Department implement the solid waste laws. Current law allows the Department to use up to 25% of its portion of the tire fees collected to remove tires from illegal tire dumps and address nuisances created by illegal tire dumps. The act increases the percentage of funding that may be used for these purposes to 50%. Similarly, the act increases from 5% to 45%, the amount of its fee revenue that the Department may spend on grants to people who will use products made from scrap tires. The act allows charitable, fraternal, and other non-profit organizations to be eligible for reimbursement of costs associated with disposal costs of scrap tires collected during a voluntary land or river cleanup event. Local governments may also be eligible for similar reimbursement, provided their costs are not part of their normal operating costs. ERIKA JAQUES