Bill > HB5333

This bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to significantly increase civil, administrative, and criminal fines for violations related to landfills and environmental regulations. The bill introduces higher monetary penalties for landfill owners and operators across different types of infractions, with fines ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 depending on the severity and frequency of the violation. Specifically, the bill modifies existing sections of law to create a tiered fine structure that imposes much larger penalties on landfill owners compared to other violators, with administrative fines increasing from a maximum of $10,000 to $100,000, civil fines escalating to potentially $250,000 for repeated violations, and criminal misdemeanor fines rising from $1,000 to $10,000. The legislation also clarifies procedural aspects of how these fines can be assessed, including time limits for administrative actions, review processes, and potential additional consequences such as restoration of natural resources or imprisonment. The bill aims to create stronger financial deterrents for environmental violations, particularly those committed by landfill operators, by substantially increasing the potential financial consequences of non-compliance with environmental regulations.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-5333