REGISTRATION OF PROPERTY OWNER OR PRECEDING PROPERTY OWNER.

(a) The following persons may participate in the fund benefits by registering as provided by this section:

(1) a person who owns real property on which a dry cleaning facility or drop station is or was located; or

(2) a preceding owner of real property on which a dry cleaning facility or drop station is or was located who entered into an agreement with the current owner associated with the sale of the real property to the current owner that requires the person to be responsible for any costs associated with cleaning up contamination covered under this chapter.

(b) For a person described by Subsection (a) to participate in fund benefits, the person must:

(1) register with the commission on or before December 31, 2007, using a form prescribed by the commission;

(2) include on the registration form information identifying the person as a:

(A) property owner; or

(B) preceding property owner; and

(3) pay the annual registration fee of $1,500.

(c) A person described by Subsection (a) may participate in the fund benefits by registering after December 31, 2007, in the same manner as provided by Subsection (b). A person registering after that date must also pay:

(1) all past annual registration fees; and

(2) a late fee of $100 for each month or partial month that has elapsed between December 2007 and the date of the registration.

(d) The annual registration fee may be divided into quarterly payments due over the year on dates established by the commission.