Imposing fines for hazardous conditions caused by a person having control over a hazardous substance, providing penalties, and making appropriations

This bill imposes fines for hazardous conditions caused by a person having control over a hazardous substance. Under current law, a person having control over a hazardous substance is strictly liable for costs and damages resulting from a hazardous condition caused by the person. In addition to the person’s liability under current law, the bill adds a fine in the amount of 10 percent of the total costs and damages. The bill requires moneys collected from the fine to be deposited into the natural resources account of the natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund and used in a manner permitted for the account. The natural resources account supports the establishment, restoration, or enhancement of state parks, state preserves, state forests, wildlife areas, wildlife habitats, native prairies, and wetlands; wildlife diversity, recreational purposes, technical assistance and financial incentives to private landowners to promote the management of forests, fisheries, wetlands, and wildlife; the improvement of water trails, rivers, and streams; and education and outreach that provide instruction regarding natural history and the outdoors.