§ 19-6-422. Participation by state risk manager in suit, claim, or settlement.

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