The proposed bill seeks to dissolve the Petroleum Tank Release Compensation Board and transfer its responsibilities to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which will now oversee the Petroleum Tank Release Program. Key amendments include replacing references to the "board" with "department" throughout the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), particularly in sections concerning loans, reimbursements, and eligibility for compensation. The bill also repeals the section that established the Petroleum Tank Release Compensation Board, aiming to streamline the management of petroleum tank releases under the DEQ's authority.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the reimbursement process for owners or operators of petroleum storage tanks who incur costs due to accidental releases, specifying that the DEQ will reimburse eligible costs from the petroleum tank release cleanup fund, subject to certain conditions. It outlines the responsibilities of tank owners or operators, including immediate notification to the department and compliance with corrective action plans. The bill also establishes procedures for meetings regarding significant releases, details funding mechanisms for the cleanup fund, and mandates the department to analyze the fund's viability and report findings to the legislative auditor before each regular legislative session. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the efficiency and oversight of the petroleum tank release program.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 17-6-225, 75-11-302, 75-11-307, 75-11-308, 75-11-309, 75-11-312, 75-11-313, 75-11-314, 75-11-315, 75-11-318, 75-11-320, 75-11-407, 75-11-408