HB106 Summary

• Removes the minimum penalty of $100.00 for civil penalties assessed under Section 22-22A-5, Code of Alabama 1975, allowing penalties to be assessed without a minimum threshold.

• Maintains maximum civil penalty of $25,000.00 per violation and $250,000.00 total per order issued by the department.

• Authorizes the Department of Environmental Management to assess civil penalties through both administrative orders and civil court actions for violations of state environmental protection laws, rules, and permit conditions.

• Requires public notice in newspapers and on the department's website for 30 days before issuing consent or unilateral orders, with opportunity for public comment and hearing requests.

• Became effective immediately upon passage and approval on May 31, 2011.