HB 1369 -- OIL SPILL LIABILITY

Under current law, persons responding officially to oil spills
are not liable for removal costs or damages unless they were
responsible for the spill or there was willful misconduct,
negligence, personal injury, or wrongful death.  This bill
extends liability protection to negligence.

The bill specifies that it does not limit a party's right to
seek recovery from the federal Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.

HB 1369 -- OIL SPILL LIABILITY (Smith)

Under current law, persons responding officially to oil spills
are not liable for removal costs or damages unless they were
responsible for the spill or there was willful misconduct,
negligence, personal injury, or wrongful death.  This bill
extends liability protection to negligence.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

HB 1369 -- OIL SPILL LIABILITY

SPONSOR:  Smith

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee
on Judiciary by a vote of 15 to 0.

Under current law, persons responding officially to oil spills
are not liable for removal costs or damages unless they were
responsible for the spill or there was willful misconduct,
negligence, personal injury, or wrongful death.  This bill
extends liability protection to negligence.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this bill is important to make
Missouri law consistent with federal law concerning oil spill
liability.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Smith; and Missouri
Oil Council.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Katharine Hickel, Legislative Analyst

HB 1369 -- Oil Spill Liability

Sponsor:  Smith

Under current law, persons responding officially to oil spills
are not liable for removal costs or damages unless they were
responsible for the spill or there was willful misconduct,
negligence, personal injury, or wrongful death.  This bill
extends liability protection to negligence.