CA AB480

Requires hazardous material handlers to report releases or threatened releases to unified program agencies (UPAs) immediately upon discovery for regulated facilities, or upon discovery of actual releases requiring emergency response for unregulated facilities.

Mandates handlers provide state, city, county fire, public health, safety, and emergency response personnel with access to facilities where hazardous material releases or threatened releases occur.

Authorizes UPAs to issue orders suspending or discontinuing activities causing hazardous material releases when they reasonably determine an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health exists, in consultation with local health officers.

Establishes appeal procedures allowing responsible parties to request a hearing within 15 days of receiving a UPA order, with hearings conducted by either an administrative law judge or UPA-designated hearing officer within 90 days.

Exempts UPA orders from issuance if the release falls below reporting thresholds established by the Office of Emergency Services in regulations.