Bill > H928

This bill addresses environmental and water testing requirements by establishing a new legal framework to ensure such testing is consistently performed, even when public funding is limited. The legislation introduces several key mechanisms to facilitate testing: it allows for alternative funding sources including voluntary contributions from individuals, property owners, and organizations; creates a Tax Donation Credit (TDC) that enables those who fund required testing to receive a tax credit certifiable on their tax returns; and provides a legal path for individuals with standing to seek court orders to compel testing if there are unreasonable delays. The bill emphasizes that environmental and water testing is crucial for public health and safety, and seeks to overcome potential funding challenges by creating flexible financing options. If public budgets are insufficient, the law allows for private contributions and compensations to ensure that legally mandated testing can proceed, with the ultimate goal of maintaining environmental monitoring and protection standards. Importantly, the legislation also includes a provision that allows jurisdictional authorities to authorize testing advanced through these alternative funding mechanisms, and provides a legal recourse for interested parties to seek testing when it is deemed to be in the public interest.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H928