The Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee voted to move House Bill 23-84 to the full committee with a due-pass recommendation. The bill would extend the repeal date for fees collected on rail shipments of oil from Jan. 2, 2027, to July 1, 2029.

Why it matters: the fees fund two state programs that support preparedness and response for oil and hazardous-material incidents on “high-hazard” rail routes: a High Hazard Train Route Oil Spill Preparedness Fund at the Department of Environmental Quality and an Oil and Hazardous Material Transportation by Rail Action Fund at the Department of the State Fire Marshal.

What the bill does and committee remarks

- As read by LFO staff, House Bill 23-84 “extends the repeal date or sunset date for fee collection from rail shipments of oil from 01/02/2027 to 07/01/2029.” The LFO explained that fees are levied on railroads and oil tank cars entering the state to support DEQ contingency planning and hazardous-material response teams at the State Fire Marshal.

- The revenue supports development and implementation of coordinated response plans for oil and hazardous-material spills or releases during rail transport.

- Several members signaled support. One member noted that they were “part of the original work group” that created the funding mechanism and said it “served the purposes that we wanted to do.” No substantive amendments were proposed during the subcommittee work session.

Formal action

- Motion: Move House Bill 23-84 to the full committee with a due-pass recommendation (moved by Co Chair Frederick). Outcome: passed by voice/consent; the chair announced “Seeing none, the motion passes.”

Discussion vs. decision

- Discussion: LFO summarized the purpose and duration of the extension; a member remarked on the program’s usefulness based on prior work group involvement.
- Direction/assignment: none recorded beyond referral to the full committee.
- Formal action: the subcommittee approved forwarding the bill to the full Ways and Means committee with a due-pass recommendation.

What’s next

The bill will be carried to the full committee by a designated legislator and considered with the remainder of the Ways and Means agenda.