Relating to financial assurance for certain facilities; prescribing an effective date.
Summary
] [ Requires the Department of Environmental Quality to contract with a third party to study and assess financial assurance requirements for owners or operators of bulk oils and liquid fuels terminals. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to the environment no later than September 15, 2026. ] [ Sunsets on January 2, 2027. ] Requires owners or operators of bulk oils or liquid fuels terminals to obtain a certificate of financial responsibility from the Department of Environmental Quality. Directs the Environmental Quality Commission to establish rules pertaining to certificates of responsibility. Requires the department to report to the Legislative Assembly on the implementation of the Act each even-numbered year. Preempts local governments from requiring financial assurance that exceeds or is in addition to the requirements of the Act. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2025
Last action Jun 28, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
Introduced
→
A-Engrossed
·
5 edits
MODERATE
The bill shifted from a temporary study requiring DEQ to research financial assurance options for oil and fuel terminals by 2026, to an immediate requirement forcing terminal owners to obtain proof of financial responsibility. This change moves the legislation from a planning phase to active enforcement, requiring facilities to demonstrate they can cover spill cleanup costs right away.
Scope change
The bill now applies immediately to all covered entities (bulk oils or liquid fuels terminals) rather than waiting for a study to determine requirements.
TIMELINE
Removed the requirement for DEQ to contract with a third party to study financial assurance options by September 2026.
Removed the sunset provision that would have ended the law on January 2, 2027.
REQUIREMENT
Added immediate requirement for terminal owners to obtain and maintain a certificate of financial responsibility from DEQ.
DEFINITION
Added new definitions for covered entities, financial assurance mechanisms (insurance, bonds, letters of credit), and spill-related liabilities.
ENFORCEMENT
Added authority for DEQ to establish rules and enforcement policies for verifying financial assurance and issuing certificates.
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
7
Key actions
2
Committee
4
Jun 28, 2025
Lower · Passed
In committee upon adjournment.
lower
Apr 11, 2025
Committee
Referred to Ways and Means by prior reference.
lower
Apr 11, 2025
Lower · Passed
Recommendation: Do pass with amendments, be printed A-Engrossed, and be referred to Ways and Means by prior reference.
lower
Jan 17, 2025
Committee
Referred to Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans with subsequent referral to Ways and Means.
lower
Jan 13, 2025
Introduced
First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.
lower
3 primary · 5 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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