Mine reclamation bonding-voluntary assigned trusts.

HB 45 creates a voluntary trust fund option for mining operators (coal, bentonite, trona, and uranium) to meet reclamation bonding requirements instead of traditional bonds. Operators can choose to set up a trust managed by the state treasurer, making annual payments of at least 5% of their reclamation obligation until fully funded. If payments are missed, interest earned is forfeited to a state reclamation fund, and trust assets can only be used by the state to cover reclamation costs if the operator fails to comply. The program requires state rulemaking to detail payment terms, investment rules (preserving 100% principal), and fund release procedures after reclamation is complete.