H 4444

This bill establishes criminal penalties and civil liability for the disposal of radioactive materials into Massachusetts waters and lands. It amends existing law to explicitly include radioactive materials in environmental protection statutes and creates a new criminal offense that prohibits any person from depositing, disposing of, or discharging radioactive materials into coastal or inland waters, tidal areas, or on another person's property. Violators face fines of up to $5,500 for a first offense and up to $15,000 for subsequent offenses, and are held strictly liable for all damages to the Commonwealth, individuals, and businesses resulting from such disposal. The bill appears to be a response to concerns about radioactive waste disposal, potentially related to the decommissioning of nuclear facilities in Massachusetts.