10/14/2025

House Bill 439

Lead Sponsors: Representative Tristan Rader and Representative Sean Brennan

Status: First hearing in House Natural Resources (October 15, 2025)

Description: The bill prohibits the application of oil and gas well brine (formally called "saline geological formation water") on roads and highways. For counties, the bill removes the authority for boards of county commissioners to adopt a resolution authorizing the application of brine on roads and highways.

The bill creates the criminal penalty of applying brine, with negligent offenses resulting in a fine of up to $5,000 per day and with knowing offenses resulting in a $10,000 fine and/or up to six months imprisonment for the first offense and a $20,000 fine and/or up to two years imprisonment for subsequent offenses.

Under current practice, brine can be used to reduce ice and dust on roadways.

CCAO Position: No position (as of October 2025)