SB-0437 Summary

• Establishes a 15-member Response Activity Review Panel appointed by the department director to advise on technical and scientific disputes regarding response activity plans and "no further action" reports.

• Panel members must meet professional qualifications (licensed professional engineer/geologist with 6+ years experience, or bachelor's degree with 10+ years experience, or master's degree with 8+ years experience) and remain current through continuing education.

• Creates an appeal process allowing parties to petition the director for dispute resolution; disputes go to a 5-member panel subcommittee if not resolved within 45 days of initial negotiation, with final director decision within 60 days of panel recommendation.

• Modifies liability provisions in the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to change baseline environmental assessment requirements for new owners/operators and restrict enforcement of certain administrative rules (R 299.5901-5919) except specific subsections.

• Contains conditional enactment clause requiring passage of SB 1345, SB 1346, SB 1348, and two unspecified House Bills before the act takes effect.