Bill > HB4365

This bill amends Michigan's environmental protection laws to enhance reporting and penalties for sewage discharges into state waters. The bill requires that when untreated or partially treated sewage is discharged from a sewer system, the responsible party must notify multiple entities within 24 hours, including the state department, local health departments, county boards of commissioners, county drain commissioners, and local newspapers in potentially affected counties. The notification must include details such as discharge volume, reason, affected areas, timing, and compliance status. The bill introduces significant new financial penalties, including a potential $500,000 fine for failing to provide proper notice and a $5,000,000 fine (or 20 cents per gallon) for counties that exceed volumetric discharge limits that impact neighboring watersheds. Additionally, the bill establishes a new "discharge recovery fund" in the state treasury, which will receive civil fine revenues and can provide grants to counties impacted by improper discharges. The legislation aims to improve environmental oversight, increase transparency about sewage discharges, and create financial incentives for preventing water pollution.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4365