SCS SB 1031 & 846 -- NATURAL GAS SAFETY PENALTIES

SPONSOR:  Klindt (Schlottach)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Utilities
by a vote of 14 to 0.

This substitute establishes the maximum penalty at $10,000 for
each violation and the maximum cap at $100,000 for a related
series of violations of the Missouri Public Service Commission's
rules implementing federal natural gas safety standards.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on General Revenue Fund in FY 2007, FY
2008, and FY 2009.  Estimated Income on Other State Funds of $0
to Unknown in FY 2007, FY 2008, and FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the penalties are necessary in
order to receive federal funding, and all other Midwestern states
have substantially higher penalties than Missouri.  The penalties
have not been increased since 1919.  The penalties are rarely
imposed and not a threat to the energy industry.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Klindt; Missouri Public
Service Commission; and Missouri Energy Development Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Jason Glahn, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:47 am