HB20-1143 Summary

• Increases maximum civil penalties for air quality violations from $15,000 to $47,357 per day, with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index through December 31, 2021

• Increases maximum civil penalties for water quality violations from $10,000 to $54,833 per day, with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index through December 31, 2021

• Upgrades falsification and tampering with environmental monitoring devices from misdemeanor to Class 5 felony; doubles maximum penalties if two separate offenses occur within two years

• Increases criminal pollution penalties for reckless or negligent violations to up to $25,000 per day and 364 days imprisonment; for knowing or intentional violations to up to $50,000 per day and up to 3 years imprisonment

• Requires prosecution requests to be filed with the Attorney General or district attorney based on reasonable suspicion, with probable cause required before charging any criminal violation