HB1441 Summary

• Authorizes municipalities to impose civil penalties against property owners or lessees who release hazardous substances or contaminants that injure public health and safety.

• Sets penalty limits at not exceeding $50,000 for the violation plus an additional $10,000 for each day the violation continues.

• Amends the Illinois Municipal Code Section 1-2-1 to exempt these municipal penalties from the standard $750 municipal fine cap by creating a specific exception under Environmental Protection Act Section 42.

• Makes conforming changes to the Environmental Protection Act to establish the local government penalty authority under new subsection (k) of Section 42.

• Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.