The bill revises the reimbursement date for petroleum storage tank cleanup funds by amending existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). Specifically, it changes the reimbursement eligibility date from April 13, 1989, to January 1, 1984, for expenses incurred by owners or operators seeking reimbursement from the petroleum tank release cleanup fund. This adjustment applies to both general releases and those from tanks storing heating oil for consumptive use or residential tanks with a capacity of 1,100 gallons or less. Additionally, the bill extends the rulemaking authority related to these reimbursements and clarifies the conditions under which owners or operators can receive reimbursement for eligible costs.

The bill also outlines the specific costs that are eligible for reimbursement, including corrective action costs and compensation for third-party bodily injury or property damage, while detailing the expenses that are ineligible. It emphasizes that reimbursements will only be made if the ending monthly balance of the fund exceeds $1.5 million, ensuring fiscal responsibility. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 75-11-307, 75-11-308
HB0189_1(1): 75-11-307, 75-11-308
HB0189_1(2): 75-11-307, 75-11-308
HB0189_1(3): 75-11-307, 75-11-308
HB0189_1(4): 75-11-307, 75-11-308
HB0189_1: 75-11-307, 75-11-308