SB 857: Dam Safety Act; powers and duties of DCR, rights and requirements of dam owners, civil penalty.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance; Dam Safety Act; powers and duties of the Department of Conservation and Recreation; rights and requirements of dam owners; civil penalty. Amends various provisions of the Dam Safety Act to streamline the Department of Conservation and Recreation's enforcement powers for impounding structures under the Act and clarifies the Department's powers and duties during an active dam failure. The bill also makes changes to a dam owner's responsibilities under the Act, including adding requirements to obtain a general permit for a low hazard impounding structure, making a dam owner responsible for ensuring that his impounding structure that presents an imminent danger has a safety inspection performed as provided in the bill, and allowing a dam owner to identify the dam break inundation zone of his impounding structure by providing the limits of the dam break inundation zone in lieu of filing a map. The bill also changes certain criteria for applicants to receive funds from the Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund, including the project match requirements for grants or loans. Finally, the bill repeals the provisions providing civil penalties for violating the provisions of the Act and makes technical amendments related to such repeal. This bill is identical to HB 2000.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 21, 2025Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0241)
2. March 21, 2025Approved by Governor-Chapter 241 (Effective 07/01/25)
3. March 5, 2025Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
4. March 5, 2025Enrolled Bill Communicated to Governor on March 5, 2025
5. February 24, 2025Signed by President
6. February 21, 2025Signed by Speaker
7. February 21, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB857)
8. February 21, 2025Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB857ER)
9. February 21, 2025Enrolled
10. February 18, 2025House Amendments agreed to by Senate (40-Y 0-N)
11. February 17, 2025Passed House with amendments (89-Y 6-N)
12. February 17, 2025Engrossed by House as amended

Showing 12 most recent of 35 actions. Full history