HB 1636 -- Natural Gas Safety Penalties

Sponsor:  Jones (117)

This bill creates penalties for corporations, persons, and public
utilities that violate any law, order, decision, decree, rule,
direction, demand, or requirement of the Missouri Public
Service Commission relating to federally mandated natural gas
safety standards.  Municipalities that own gas plants are only
liable for violations of natural gas safety laws, rules, and
orders.

The maximum penalty per violation will be $25,000, and the
maximum penalty for multiple violations or a continuing violation
of the same rule will be $250,000; beginning January 1, 2015, the
maximum penalties will be $30,000 and $300,000; beginning
January 1, 2025, the maximum penalties will be $35,000 and
$350,000; beginning January 1, 2035, the maximum penalties will
be $40,000 and $400,000; and beginning January 1, 2040, the
maximum penalties will be $50,000 and $500,000.

In determining penalty amounts, the commission may consider the
degree of culpability, prior violations, the effect of the
penalty on operations, good faith efforts at compliance, ability
to pay, and any other matters deemed relevant.

The acts and omissions of officers, agents, and employees of any
corporation, person, public utility, or other owner of a gas
plant will be considered the acts or omissions of the gas plant
owner.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:10 pm