Bill > HB847

This bill amends the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act to modify procedures related to criminal enforcement. Specifically, the bill requires that before initiating criminal proceedings for certain violations, the department must provide the potentially cited person with a written opportunity for a pre-enforcement conference with the department. The bill clarifies that criminal proceedings can be instituted by either the Office of Attorney General or the district attorney of the affected county for violations related to safe drinking water regulations. The modifications are intended to provide a procedural step that allows potential violators to address issues before formal criminal charges are filed, potentially offering a chance to resolve potential infractions through dialogue. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill's enactment, giving agencies and potential regulated entities time to understand and prepare for the new pre-enforcement conference requirement.