Budget Amendment ID: FY2018-S3-288-R1

Redraft GOV 288

Commission on the Operation of chapter 21J

Messrs. Ross and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 100 the following section:-

“SECTION 100A. There shall be a special commission to study the operation of the underground storage tank program established in chapter 21J of the General Laws. The commission shall investigate and study: (i) the manner in which owners and operators are reimbursed under the program including, but not limited to, the claims approval process and delays in reimbursement; (ii) methods to address long-term funding of the program, including the establishment of a retained revenue account; and (iii) new methods for owners and operators to recover costs under the program, including the use of tax credits.

The commission shall consist of: the commissioner of revenue or a designee; the commissioner of environmental protection or a designee; 2 members of the senate, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the senate minority leader; 2 members of the house of representatives, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the house minority leader; 1 member of the Underground Storage Tank Petroleum Cleanup Fund Administrative Review Board; and 2 persons to be appointed by the governor. The members shall elect a chair and vice chair.

The commission submit the results of its study and its recommendations, together with drafts of legislation necessary to carry those recommendations into effect, by filing the same with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives not later than June 1, 2018.”.