An Act relative to liability for release of hazardous materials

This bill changes liability rules for hazardous material releases at designated cleanup sites. It protects eligible property owners or cleanup operators who have completed a department audit showing no violations (or prompt corrections) of environmental regulations, and who maintain a permanent cleanup solution at the site. If these conditions are met, the department cannot hold them liable for releases at properties not previously identified as part of the site. The department also cannot defend against liability claims for these parties once the cleanup solution is verified. This applies specifically to sites covered under existing waste site cleanup plans.