(a) The board shall not pay any claims against or presented to the fund pursuant to this article if the claim exceeds the total money in the fund at any one time. The board shall pay these claims only when additional money is collected, appropriated, or otherwise added to the fund. If the total claims outstanding at any time exceed the current balance of the fund, the board shall pay these claims in full to the extent authorized pursuant to this article.

(b) Any claim filed against the fund pursuant to this article may be paid only out of the fund. This chapter does not authorize the payment by the state of any additional amount with respect to any claim out of any source other than the fund.

(c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), notwithstanding this article, the board shall not pay out any claims pursuant to this article to a claimant if the total amount paid to the claimant is greater than 5 percent of the total amount annually appropriated by the Legislature from the fund for purposes of paying claims pursuant to this article. For purposes of determining the total amount paid to a claimant for purposes of this section, the board shall include any payments made to any person or entity which has a relationship with the claimant specified in subsection (b) of Section 267 of Title 26 of the United States Code.

(2) The board may exempt a claim from the requirements of paragraph (1) if the board determines all of the following:

(A) The exemption would provide for an equitable and timely use of available fund moneys.

(B) The exemption would help to ensure an efficient petroleum underground storage tank cleanup program that adequately protects public health and safety and the environment.

(C) All claims subject to the exemption are awarded in accordance with the priority rankings established pursuant to Section 25299.52.

(Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 432, Sec. 8. Effective September 24, 1993. Repealed as of January 1, 2026, pursuant to Section 25299.81.)