CCS#2 HCS SCS SB 720 -- UTILITY REGULATIONS AND RECYCLING OF
COMPUTERS

This bill changes the laws regarding utility regulations and
recycling of computers.  In its main provisions, the bill:

(1)  Authorizes the Missouri Public Service Commission to grant
approval, which will have the same effect as approval granted
prior to construction of an electric generating facility, to an
existing electric generating facility located in Cass County if
the commission determines that the approval is necessary or
convenient for the public service.  Retroactive approval will not
modify or limit any existing lawsuit.  Constructing an electric
plant unlawfully after August 28, 2008, will result in triple the
actual damages and recovery of attorney fees and costs.  The
electric generating facility will not be allowed to recover any
legal expenses through rate increases imposed upon their
customers;

(2)  Increases, from $600 to $800, the maximum allowable
financial assistance for heating and cooling expenses from the
Utilicare Stabilization Fund administered by the Department of
Social Services per eligible household per fiscal year and
removes the $5 million cap on the annual appropriation to the
fund.  The department must apply a portion of the moneys from the
fund to the Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program of the
Department of Natural Resources;

(3)  Prohibits natural gas and electricity providers from June 1
to September 30 from disconnecting service on days when the
temperature is predicted by the National Weather Service's local
forecast, issued for 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., to rise above 95
degrees Fahrenheit or the heat index is expected to rise above
105 degrees Fahrenheit for the following 24-hour period or on
days when service personnel will be unable to reconnect service
and the temperature is expected to rise to the regulated levels.
The Missouri Public Service Commission may also limit
disconnection practices by rule; and

(4)  Establishes the Manufacturer Responsibility and Consumer
Convenience Equipment Collection and Recovery Act in which the
Department of Natural Resources will approve recovery plans for
the recycling of computers.  Manufacturers of computers are
required to adopt and implement a recovery plan and submit a copy
to the department prior to offering merchandise for sale.
Certain labeling requirements are mandated, and the department
can conduct compliance audits.  The department may impose
penalties for violations of its rules.  A second violation will
be subject to a fine of up to $10,000, and subsequent violations
will be subject to a fine of up to $25,000.  The department will
provide a web site of manufacturer recovery plans for consumers
and will establish rules to implement this act by July 1, 2009.

The provisions regarding the Missouri Public Service Commission's
authority to grant retroactive approval expires on August 28,
2009.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:12 pm