HB 251 -- UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS

This bill changes eligibility requirements for cleanup coverage
from the Underground Storage Tank Insurance Fund.  Regardless of
when a tank release occurred, cleanup benefits are available to
fund participants and to those who have applied for
participation by August 28, 1995.  To be eligible, applicants
must be ultimately accepted into the fund.  Benefits are also
available to owners of tanks taken out of use before August 28,
1995, if the tanks had been reported to the Department of
Natural Resources, and the cleanup expenses are incurred after
August 28, 1995.

The maximum balance of the fund is increased from $20 million to
$100 million.  Airlines and railroads are exempt from petroleum
transport load fees and are not eligible to participate in or
make claims against the fund.

The bill also requires the department to use risk-based
standards in establishing corrective action requirements for
underground storage tank releases.  Rules will be reviewed by
the Underground Storage Tank Insurance Fund Advisory Committee
before publication.

HB 251 -- UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (Rizzo)

This bill changes eligibility requirements for cleanup coverage
from the Underground Storage Tank Insurance Fund.  Regardless of
when a tank release occurred, cleanup benefits are available to
fund participants and to those who have applied for
participation by August 28, 1995.  To be eligible, applicants
must be ultimately accepted into the fund.  Benefits are also
available to owners of tanks taken out of use before August 28,
1995, provided the tanks had been reported to the Department of
Natural Resources, and the cleanup expenses are incurred after
August 28, 1995.

The maximum balance of the fund is increased from $20 million to
$100 million.  Airlines and railroads are exempt from petroleum
transport load fees and are not eligible to participate in or
make claims against the fund.

The bill also requires the department to use risk-based
standards in establishing corrective action requirements for
underground storage tank releases.  Rules will be reviewed by
the Underground Storage Tank Insurance Fund Advisory Committee
before publication.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund of
$25,000 in FY 96, $0 in FY 97, and $0 in FY 98.

HB 251 -- UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS

SPONSOR:  Rizzo

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Commerce
by a vote of 19 to 0.

This bill changes eligibility requirements for cleanup coverage
from the Underground Storage Tank Insurance Fund.  Regardless of
when a tank release occurred, cleanup benefits are available to
fund participants and to those who have applied for
participation by August 28, 1995.  To be eligible, applicants
must be ultimately accepted into the fund.  Benefits are also
available to owners of tanks taken out of use before August 28,
1995, provided the tanks had been reported to the Department of
Natural Resources, and the cleanup expenses are incurred after
August 28, 1995.

The maximum balance of the fund is increased from $20 million to
$100 million.  Airlines and railroads are exempt from petroleum
transport load fees and are not eligible to participate in or
make claims against the fund.

The bill also requires the department to use risk-based
standards in establishing corrective action requirements for
underground storage tank releases.  Rules will be reviewed by
the Underground Storage Tank Insurance Fund Advisory Committee
before publication.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund of
$25,000 in FY 96, $0 in FY 97, & $0 in FY 98.  Estimated Net
Effect to Underground Storage Tank Insurance Fund of $0 in FY
96, $0 in FY 97, & $0 in FY 98.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say there is a need to address current
contamination and to implement a risk-based approach so that
contaminated sites are dealt with on a priority basis.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Rizzo; Missouri
Petroleum Marketers Association; Jefferson City Oil Company;

Missouri Association of Truck Stop Operators; and Quick Trip
Corporation.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the Committee.

Debra Cheshier, Research Analyst

HB 251 -- Underground Storage Tanks

Sponsor:  Rizzo

This bill changes eligibility requirements for cleanup coverage
from the Underground Storage Tank Insurance Fund.  Regardless of
when a tank release occurred, cleanup benefits are available to
fund participants and to those who have applied for
participation by August 28, 1995.  To be eligible, applicants
must be ultimately accepted into the fund.  Benefits are also
available to owners of tanks taken out of use before August 28,
1995, provided the tanks had been reported to the Department of
Natural Resources, and the cleanup expenses are incurred after
August 28, 1995.

The maximum balance of the fund is increased from $20 million to
$100 million.  Airlines and railroads are exempt from petroleum
transport load fees and are not eligible to participate in or
make claims against the fund.

The bill also requires the department to use risk-based
standards in establishing corrective action requirements for
underground storage tank releases.  Rules will be reviewed by
the Underground Storage Tank Insurance Fund Advisory Committee
before publication.