Lawrence McClure Refiles Phosphate Mining Lands Bill
Lawrence McClure, a Dover Republican, has refiled a bill to protect landowners against liability for radioactive byproducts on their sites.
The bill, HB 167, is similar to previous legislation (SB 832, HB 585) that died in the 2025 Session despite attempts to merge it with another bill.
Key Provisions
- Requires landowners to notify the county where the parcel is located that it was once used as a phosphate mining site.
- Mandates a gamma radiation survey conducted by the Department of Health.
- Establishes a defense for landowners against liability for radioactive byproducts on site.
Critics argued that the bill overly protects landowners and makes it difficult to sue over contaminated lands.
The measure would also introduce a "loser pays" system, allowing the winner of a suit to recoup attorneys' fees.
Author's summary: McClure refiles bill to protect landowners from phosphate mining liability.