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Committee backs stiffer penalties for deliberate septic-waste dumping on federal land
Summary
House Bill 23 55 would raise penalties for deliberate illegal spreading of septic waste on federal land (Cherokee National Forest) from a Class C to Class B misdemeanor and allow permit suspensions; the committee voted 14–0 to advance the bill.
Representative Howell presented HB 23 55, prompted by video evidence that a small septic-waste operator spread waste onto Cherokee National Forest property. Howell said the current penalty was insufficient compared with the damage and cited a DA recommendation to increase fines and suspensions.
The bill proposes raising deliberate illicit spreading from a class C misdemeanor (a small fine) to class B with penalties including possible jail time and higher fines; accidental spills would remain class C. Howell told the committee the measure also allows for revocation or suspension of business permits for repeat violators. Committee members voted 14–0 to move the bill to Calendar and Rules.
