Bill > A08213

This bill provides for the disposition of certain fees and penalties collected under the Environmental Conservation Law, directing such fees and penalties into a conservation enforcement account within the state conservation fund. Specifically: This bill amends the Environmental Conservation Law and State Finance Law to provide that all fines, penalties, and forfeitures collected under various provisions of the Environmental Conservation Law, except where otherwise required by law, shall be deposited into the conservation fund to the credit of a new conservation enforcement account. This account will be used exclusively to fund the enforcement of the Environmental Conservation Law, including for scientists, environmental law enforcement officers, attorneys, administrative support, and other expenses the Commissioner deems necessary. The bill also increases various civil and criminal penalties for violations of the Environmental Conservation Law.