HB 1967 Summary

• Creates the Environmental Compliance Resource Act as a new consolidated program administered by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to provide resources to local governments and state agencies for addressing illegal dumping and environmental violations.

• Establishes the position of "environmental officer" requiring completion of training, examination, and certification through approved programs, with initial certification costing $50.00 and annual renewal costing $25.00.

• Repeals the Illegal Dump Eradication and Corrective Action Program Act (effective May 1, 2020) and transfers its components to the new Environmental Compliance Resource Act.

• Authorizes environmental officers to issue uniform environmental citations for illegal dumping violations, with alleged violators given up to 30 days to remediate violations before district court hearings, and allows for dismissal of cases upon successful remediation with proof of proper disposal.

• Establishes private right of action in circuit court for illegal dumping violations, allowing plaintiffs to seek temporary orders requiring defendants to remove waste within 10 days and properly dispose of it at permitted facilities.