Latest Legislative Activity-October 2010

Legislative and Regulatory Updates
NECA employs a Legislative Monitoring Intern to provide timely information on regulations and potential legislation that may affect the car wash/vehicle wash industry so businesses and the Association can respond effectively. During the month of September, NECA’s Intern reported the following activity that may be of interest to the car wash industry. 

MASSACHUSETTS
SB 5020: An Order relative to authorizing the committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture to make an investigation and study of certain documents. This bill specifies key bills and resolutions for review during the legislative recess. It is important in suggesting the future agenda of the committee. The main focus of the documents being studied concern wildlife regulations, zoning and revolving loan funds. Full text can be found at:
http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/BillText/9272

NEW HAMPSHIRE
There are several new legislative proposals of interest in New Hampshire. Unfortunately the bills are still being drafted and text is not yet available. However, I contacted the representatives and was able to obtain specific information about the following bills.

2011-H-0024: Relative to the Minimum Wage. Would abolish the state minimum wage rate.

2011-H-0051: Relative to the duties of Tax Collectors and Town Clerks.
Would augment the filing procedures for local property taxes.

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services

Env-Wq 404: Underground Injection Control Requirements. The new rule adopts federal guidelines for UICs and also bans certain facilities that are detrimental to the environment, including large capacity cesspools and discharges to groundwater at motor vehicle facilities. A Public hearing is scheduled for October 26 and the comments period ends November 5. The Rulemaking Notice is available at: http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/legal/rulemaking/documents/env-wq404-rmn.pdf
And the Initial Proposal can be found at: http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/legal/rulemaking/documents/env-wq404-ip.pdf

Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Chapter 500: Stormwater Management. The Maine DEP is considering changes to its regulations governing Stormwater management. The following is a draft regulation and the department states that the formal rulemaking process has not yet begun. Text of the draft regulation and its changes can be found at: http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/rules/site_storm/2010_2011/chapters/500.pdf

There have been no new bills introduced in either Vermont, Rhode Island or Maine.