The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes regarding the Underground Storage Tank Revolving Fund by introducing new requirements for applicants seeking reimbursement. Specifically, it would require applicants to submit their reimbursement applications to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) within one year after completing the necessary work. For projects approved before September 1, 2025, applicants would need to apply for reimbursement and provide all required documentation by February 1, 2026, or one year after the completion of work, whichever is later. Additionally, starting September 1, 2025, any applicant who fails to submit a timely application would lose eligibility for reimbursement of those costs.

The bill also mandates that ADEQ compile and submit an annual report on the Fund's preapproval process, starting September 1, 2025. This report would include details on the funds associated with preapproved applications, the dollar amounts for each application, and any amounts that have yet to be distributed. The bill removes the previous provision allowing ADEQ to reimburse costs for applications received before September 30, 2020, for work conducted after October 1, 2020, thus tightening the eligibility criteria for reimbursement.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-1015, 49-1071, 35-190, 49-1053, 49-1036, 35-313, 49-1017, 49-1017.02
Senate Engrossed Version: 49-1015, 49-1071, 35-190, 49-1053, 49-1036, 35-313, 49-1017, 49-1017.02
Chaptered Version: 49-1024, 49-1071, 49-1051