SB 1212 Summary

• Creates new section 37-292 establishing immunity for the state land commissioner, department, state land trust, state, and counties from liabilities related to biosolids use on state agricultural lands if rules are followed.

• Requires agricultural lessees of state lands to comply with local ordinances and state/federal farming practices regarding fertilizers, biosolids, and soil amendments under sections 49-255.03 and 49-468.

• Adds section 49-468 directing the director of environmental quality to adopt rules for biosolids application to agricultural lands consistent with federal EPA standards, considering air quality, application rates, setbacks, nitrogen levels, odor impacts, groundwater depth, and coordination with state land oversight.

• Amends section 49-457 to allow the agricultural best management practices committee to recommend rules for biosolids application to agricultural land consistent with federal sewage sludge standards.

• Requires the department of environmental quality director or designee to make at least two in-person visits to affected agricultural operations actively applying biosolids before adopting rules under section 49-468, with this requirement repealing December 31, 2027.