House approves bill limiting liability and requiring broader approval for high‑level nuclear waste activities

The House passed Senate Bill 177 after floor debate and amendments that expanded the decision-making role beyond a single executive. The bill targets limited-liability protections for entities engaged in transportation and storage of high-level nuclear waste and clarifies approval requirements for easements and rights-of-way.

Representative Bradshaw, sponsor on the floor, said the measure is intended to withdraw the special limited-liability privilege from enterprises that would handle high-level nuclear waste: “we wish to withdraw this favor and that's the purpose of the bill.” Members pressed on scope, whether common carriers are affected, and whether the governor alone should have authority to approve easements or whether the legislature should share that role.

Representative Eurer offered floor amendments to replace sole executive action with requirements for the governor to act “with the concurrence of the legislature” in specific provisions; the floor adopted those changes. In debate, members asked whether the bill would affect federal authority and existing carriers; sponsors said the bill does not change federal prerogatives or affect common carriers already authorized under federal law.

After amendment and final roll-call adjustments, the House recorded the bill's passage (final recorded total 55 yes, 12 no). Supporters said SB177 strengthens state oversight of a high-consequence activity; some members retained constitutional and practical questions about interactions with federal law and tribal sovereignty.