summary
Introduced
01/23/2026
01/23/2026
In Committee
04/10/2026
04/10/2026
Crossed Over
04/08/2026
04/08/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Natural Resource Restoration Trust Fund Act. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall establish the Natural Resource Restoration Trust Grant Program to make grants to applicants for the restoration or replacement of injured or damaged natural resources resulting from claims pursued under the laws of the United States, the laws of this State, other statutory laws, or common law. Provides that the following entities may apply for grants under the Act: (i) units of local government; (ii) soil and water conservation districts; (iii) area-wide agencies, including counties, regional planning agencies, or both; (iv) nonprofit organizations; (iv) public or private institutes of higher education; (v) port authorities; and (vi) federally recognized tribes. Provides that the Department shall issue grants if (i) the requested grant complies with the purpose for which the Department was to provide funds and is subject to the requirements of all applicable court orders and (ii) the grant complies with the criteria established by administrative rule for the issuance of the grant. Provides that grants shall not be awarded to a grantee that is responsible for the pollution event that is the subject or basis for the issuance of the grant. Effective July 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Natural Resources Restoration Trust Fund Act to establish a new grant program managed by the Department of Natural Resources, called the Natural Resource Restoration Trust Grant Program, which will provide funding for the restoration or replacement of natural resources that have been harmed or damaged due to legal claims. Eligible applicants for these grants include local governments, soil and water conservation districts, area-wide agencies like counties and regional planning bodies, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, port authorities, and federally recognized tribes. To receive a grant, the proposed project must align with the program's purpose and any relevant court orders, and meet criteria set by administrative rules, with a key restriction being that entities responsible for the pollution event causing the damage cannot receive these grants. This new program is set to begin on July 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (5)
Erica Harriss (R)*,
Maura Hirschauer (D)*,
Carol Ammons (D),
Diane Blair-Sherlock (D),
Janet Yang Rohr (D),
Last Action
Referred to Assignments (on 04/10/2026)
Bill Topics
Environment
- ‐ Land and Water Conservation
- ‐ Toxic Chemicals and Hazardous Substances
Public Lands and Water Management
- ‐ Land and Water Conservation
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