SB 536

This bill establishes the Radiation Emergency Response Program within Maryland's Department of the Environment, designating it as the lead state agency responsible for responding to nuclear incidents and serving as an off-site response organization for nuclear power plants located in or near Maryland. The legislation requires nuclear power plant owners to pay fees to fund the state's emergency preparedness activities, creates a special non-lapsing Radiation Emergency Response Fund to manage these resources, and mandates the Department to develop technical emergency response plans, procure specialized equipment, and participate in federal nuclear emergency programs. The bill ensures Maryland has a comprehensive framework and dedicated funding mechanism for radiological emergency preparedness, particularly for communities within emergency planning zones of nuclear facilities, with some fees also being transferred to the Maryland Department of Emergency Management for response activities.