(a)

(1) In the case of a qualified manufacturer of steel as described in § 15-4-2405(a), the provisions of § 26-51-506(f) shall not apply.

(2) However, the qualified manufacturer of steel shall refund the amount of the tax credit provided by subsection (b) of this section if within three (3) years of the taxable year in which the credit originated:

(A)

(i) The waste reduction, reuse, or recycling equipment is removed from Arkansas, disposed of, or transferred to another person, or the qualified manufacturer of steel otherwise ceases to use the required materials or operate in accordance with § 26-51-506.

(ii) However, reorganization transactions, changes of ownership and control, and sales and transfers of waste reduction, reuse, or recycling equipment among affiliates which do not constitute sales or transfers to a third-party purchaser shall not be considered disposals, transfers, or cessations of use for purposes of § 26-51-506; or

(B) The Director of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality finds that the qualified manufacturer of steel has operated the waste reduction, reuse, or recycling equipment in a manner which demonstrates a pattern of intentional failure to comply with final administrative or judicial orders which clearly indicates a disregard for environmental regulation.

(b) If the provisions of subsection (a) of this section apply, the qualified manufacturer of steel shall refund the amount of the tax credit which was deducted from income tax liability which exceeds the following amounts:

(1) Within the first year, zero dollars ($0.00);

(2) Within the second year, an amount equal to thirty-three percent (33%) of the amount of credit allowed; and

(3) Within the third year, an amount equal to sixty-seven percent (67%) of the credit allowed.

(c) Any refund required by subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section shall apply only to the credit given for the particular waste reduction, reuse, or recycling equipment to which subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section applies.

(d) Any taxpayer who is required to refund part of a credit pursuant to this section shall no longer be eligible to carry forward any amount of that credit which had not been used as of the date the refund is required.

(e) Any person or legal entity aggrieved by a decision of the director under this section may appeal to the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission through administrative procedures adopted by the commission and to the courts in the manner provided in §§ 8-4-222 -- 8-4-229.