Director briefs board on state legislation: Transfer Act replacement, new camp regulations and proposed COG staffing additions

NVCOG’s director provided a legislative update that covered several items relevant to member municipalities, including a new state cleanup law, impending regulation of municipally run youth camps, and proposals to add staff positions for regional councils of governments.

The director said the governor signed legislation that sunsets the Transfer Act and establishes a release‑based cleanup law that takes effect upon passage. "This really opening up the state to a lot more projects that were otherwise undoable," the director said, noting that the change may assist local economic development projects. The board was told more information and municipal guidance will follow.

On municipal camps, the director said municipally run camps (roughly ages 6–16) are likely to be subject to Office of Early Childhood regulations similar to private camps; municipalities should expect licensing requirements and some fees, with the change scheduled to take effect before the next summer season. Board members discussed whether any state action would be permissive or mandatory; staff said it appears the change could be implemented as an opt‑in model but that conversations remain ongoing.

The director also noted several proposed legislative additions that would provide funding for COG‑level staff positions — examples cited were a wastewater lead, a housing coordinator and a municipal solid waste management position — funded through state RPIA accounts with possible allocations of $250,000 to $400,000 distributed to COGs. Finally, staff noted the governor had urged legislators to apply the 2017 ECS funding formula, which may increase overall municipal education aid by approximately $85,000,000 but could shift aid between municipalities; more legislative movement was expected before the session’s June 4 adjournment.