The Senate Finance Committee approved an amendment changing how a $3.50-per-ton fee on solid waste would be implemented and enforced.

Under the amendment discussed in committee, municipalities would be able to apply quarterly for grant reimbursements so local budget timing would not be unduly disrupted; the change was intended to avoid forcing towns to carry a full year of costs on their books. Committee members also reduced a proposed late-payment penalty for facilities from $25,000 per day to $1,000 per day, saying the original figure was excessive.

The amendment also shifted payment responsibility: rather than holding landfill operators financially liable under long-term contracts, the amendment would require haulers and transporters to make the fee payment to facilities. Facilities would aggregate receipts and submit funds quarterly, after which municipalities could apply for their grants. One committee member said stakeholder conversations indicated the prior structure could cost some facilities more than $2 million in lost revenue, which was not the intent of the bill.

Committee debate closed without further amendment and members voted; the motion carried.