This bill proposes the elimination of the Petroleum Tank Release Compensation Board, transferring its responsibilities to the Department of Environmental Quality. Key amendments involve replacing references to the "board" with "department" throughout the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), particularly in sections related to loans, reimbursements, and definitions concerning petroleum tank releases. The bill also repeals Section 2-15-2108, which established the board, thereby consolidating authority within the department. It outlines eligibility criteria for reimbursement of costs associated with accidental releases from petroleum storage tanks, detailing the types of reimbursable costs and the responsibilities of owners or operators in the event of a release.

Furthermore, the bill establishes funding mechanisms for the petroleum tank release cleanup fund, administered by the department, and specifies revenue sources for the fund. It emphasizes the department's role in reviewing claims for reimbursement and outlines the appeal process for owners or operators. The amendments aim to streamline the management of petroleum storage tank releases and enhance the efficiency of the cleanup fund administration, including the department's authority to conduct analyses of the fund's viability and report findings to the legislative auditor before each regular legislative session.

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