1. (1)

   1. (a) Under this part, and subject to Subsection (1)(b), the executive director may enter into a voluntary agreement with a responsible party providing for the responsible party to conduct an investigation or a cleanup action on sites that contain hazardous materials.

   2. (b) The executive director and a responsible party may not enter into a voluntary agreement under this part unless all known potentially responsible parties:

      1. (i) have been notified by either the executive director or the responsible party of the proposed agreement; and
      2. (ii) have been given an opportunity to comment on the proposed agreement prior to the parties' entering into the agreement.

2. (2)

   1. (a) The executive director may receive funds from any responsible party that signs a voluntary agreement allowing the executive director to:

      1. (i) review any proposals outlining how the investigation or cleanup action is to be performed; and
      2. (ii) oversee the investigation or cleanup action.
   2. (b) Funds received by the executive director under this section shall be deposited in the fund and used by the executive director as provided in the voluntary agreement.
3. (3) If a responsible party fails to perform as required under a voluntary agreement entered into under this part, the executive director may take action and seek penalties to enforce the agreement as provided in the agreement.
4. (4) The executive director may not use the provisions of Section 19-6-310, 19-6-316, or 19-6-318 to recover costs received or expended pursuant to a voluntary agreement from any person not a party to that agreement.

5. (5)

   1. (a) Any party who incurs costs under a voluntary agreement in excess of his liability may seek contribution from any other party who is or may be liable under this part for the excess costs in a court with jurisdiction under Title 78A, Judiciary and Judicial Administration.
   2. (b) In resolving claims made under Subsection (5)(a), the court shall allocate costs using the standards in Subsection 19-6-310(2).
6. (6) This section takes precedence over conflicting provisions in this chapter regarding agreements with responsible parties to conduct an investigation or cleanup action.

Amended by Chapter 158, 2024 General Session