Introduced
by
To increase the civil penalties for certain water pollution discharge violations from a maximum fine of $50,000 to $100,000 per day; increase the $500,000 to $5 million range of additional civil fines for discharges that endanger the public to $1 million to $10 million; and increase the maximum criminal fine from $1 million to $2 million. Note: Civil fines require a lower burden of proof by the state, and defendants are not granted the same procedural safeguards afforded to criminal defendants. The civil fines are imposed by the Department of Environmental Quality at department-run hearings, but may be appealed in circuit court.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation
