JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House of Representatives has passed legislation extending the authority of the Missouri Emergency Response Commission to collect fees for handling hazardous materials and chemical emergency preparedness in the state. Sponsored by State Representative Tim Taylor, HB 1870 aims to prolong the existing fee collection framework, providing critical funding for emergency response efforts.
The current statute in Missouri sets forth a structure for collecting fees from employers managing hazardous materials over a six-year period. HB 1870 seeks to extend this timeline from August 28, 2024, to August 28, 2030, ensuring sustained support for chemical emergency preparedness initiatives.
Under the current statute, fees collected from employers handling hazardous materials are allocated for chemical emergency preparedness purposes, facilitating contingency planning, training, public notices, and more. The legislation mandates coordination between relevant agencies and committees to ensure effective emergency planning and response efforts statewide.
“Extending the authority for hazardous materials fee collection is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and preparedness of our communities. These fees are levied on hazardous materials transporters, including trucking and gas pipelines, and play a vital role in maintaining our state’s readiness for any unforeseen incidents. A significant portion of these fees goes towards training our local firefighters in handling hazardous materials, spills, and cleanup procedures,” Taylor, R-Bunceton, said. “This legislation builds upon existing frameworks that have been in operation for years, simply adding another six years to the timeline. With the looming expiration date this year, it’s important that we act quickly to get this done.”
“This extension of fee collection authority underscores our commitment to enhancing chemical emergency preparedness and ensuring the safety of our communities,” House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, said. “By extending the timeline, we can continue to provide essential funding for vital emergency response initiatives.”
Representative Tim Taylor, a Republican, represents Chariton, Cooper, Howard, and part of Randolph counties (District 48) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2020. For more information, please contact Rep. Taylor’s office at 573-751-0169 or via email at Tim.Taylor@House.Mo.Gov.