Small Business Liability Relief Act
| Date | Chamber | What was voted on | Result | Yes–No | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 26, 2000 | House · vote #494 | Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended | Failed | 253–161 | See who voted → |
Makes a person liable for response costs for municipal solid waste (MSW) as a non-owner or operator only if the person is not an owner, operator, or lessee of residential property from which all of the person's MSW was generated, or a certain small business or tax-exempt organization that generated all its MSW, with respect to the facility concerned. Provides for liability if a person has failed to comply with an administrative subpoena or request for information or has impeded a response action.
Makes persons that commence a contribution action liable to the defendant for all reasonable costs of defending the action if the defendant is not liable based on the above- described exemptions.
Adds to the list of parties eligible for expedited final settlements certain persons and small businesses that demonstrate an inability or limited ability to pay response costs.
Revises conditions of eligibility for such settlements for de minimis parties.
Establishes a moratorium on litigation under CERCLA for recovery or contribution of response costs from any person eligible for an expedited settlement within a specified time frame.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 253 - 161 (Roll no. 494). (text: CR H8123-8125)