requiring background checks for solid waste and hazardous waste facility owners, establishing a solid waste site evaluation committee and temporarily suspends the issuance of solid waste permits by the department of environmental services, relative to the confiscation of animals from persons suspected of or charged with abuse of animals, and establishing a committee to study the animal cruelty statutes.

SB 302 combines two unrelated provisions. First, it requires background checks for owners of solid waste and hazardous waste facilities, temporarily suspends the Department of Environmental Services from issuing new solid waste permits, and creates a site evaluation committee. Second, it mandates that animal abuse suspects or defendants have animals confiscated by authorities, and establishes a committee to study animal cruelty statutes. The bill directly affects waste facility owners, environmental regulators, and law enforcement handling animal abuse cases. As of the latest update, it is pending in conference committee with no final vote.