HB 1127 Summary

• Allows individuals to apply for compensation of attorney's fees incurred in court actions against the Department of Environmental Management, excluding for-profit businesses.

• Establishes the Litigation Expenses Reimbursement Fund to award compensation, funded by civil environmental penalties and 10% of departmental appropriations that would otherwise revert to the state general fund at fiscal year end.

• Creates the Litigation Expenses Reimbursement Review Board with four members appointed by legislative leaders, requiring members to have environmental expertise and represent nonprofit associations.

• Board members serve four-year terms and receive expense reimbursement but no salary or per diem compensation.

• Effective July 1, 2011; amends IC 13-14-12-1, IC 13-20, and IC 13-30 regarding environmental fund management.