The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, focusing on the management and funding of the underground storage tank authority and the refined petroleum fund. Key changes include the introduction of new definitions for terms such as "approved claim," "claimant," and "deductible amount," which clarify the claims process and the responsibilities of claimants. The refined petroleum fund will now be maintained within the state treasury, with specific provisions for the state treasurer to manage and invest these funds, ensuring they do not lapse at the end of the fiscal year. The bill also establishes a reimbursement mechanism for local governments and county road commissions for corrective actions related to petroleum contamination, with defined caps and eligibility criteria for claims.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws regarding the indemnification process for claims related to underground storage tanks, emphasizing the role of the claimant and introducing new requirements for submitting work invoices. It establishes a legacy release program for historic releases, outlines the conditions for reimbursement, and details the penalties for fraudulent claims. The bill also clarifies the distribution of civil fines related to noncompliance, ensuring that funds support fraud investigations and local enforcement efforts. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance the oversight and efficiency of the underground storage tank program while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-2): 324.21502, 324.21510
House Introduced Bill: 324.21502, 324.21510