FINAL BILL REPORT

INITIATIVE 97

                                   C 2 L 89

Providing for the clean-up of hazardous wastes.

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

In 1987, the Legislature enacted a comprehensive hazardous waste cleanup law.  An initiative also providing for a comprehensive hazardous waste cleanup law was submitted to the Legislature during the 1988 regular session.  The Legislature did not pass the initiative but did pass a measure to place its 1987 law on the ballot as an alternative to the initiative.  The voters in 1988 enacted the initiative.

SUMMARY:

The existing law is changed in numerous respects, including:  More limitations are placed on state financial assistance to liable parties.  The process for settlement of claims and the state's authority to enter into settlement agreements are revised.  The penalty for failure to comply with cleanup orders is increased.  The tax on hazardous substances is reduced and fewer exemptions are provided.

EFFECTIVE:March 1, 1989