The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding the Underground Storage Tank Revolving Fund by introducing new requirements for applicants seeking reimbursement. Specifically, it mandates that applicants must apply to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) within one year after completing the necessary work. For projects approved before September 1, 2025, applicants are required to submit all documentation for reimbursement by February 1, 2026, or one year after the work's completion, whichever is later. Additionally, any applicant who fails to submit a timely application after September 1, 2025, will lose eligibility for reimbursement.

The bill also updates the reporting requirements for ADEQ. It replaces the existing requirement for a report every three years with an annual report due by September 1 each year, starting in 2025. This report will detail the preapproval process for the Fund, including the amounts associated with preapproved applications and any funds that have yet to be distributed. The bill removes the previous provision that allowed ADEQ to reimburse costs for applications received before September 30, 2020, for work conducted after October 1, 2020, thereby 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