1. (1) If a suit is filed or a claim is made against a responsible party who is eligible for payments from the fund for bodily injury or property damage connected with a release of petroleum from a petroleum storage tank, the state risk manager and the state risk manager's legal counsel may participate with the responsible party and the responsible party's legal counsel in:

   1. (a) the defense of any suit;
   2. (b) determination of legal strategy and any other decisions affecting the defense of any suit; and
   3. (c) any settlement negotiations.
2. (2) The state risk manager shall approve any settlement between the responsible party and a third party before payment of fund money is made.

Amended by Chapter 302, 2025 General Session