SB 943 – Modifies the civil penalty for violating federally mandated natural gas safety standards

• Sponsor: Schatz
• LR Number: 5900S.01I
• Committee: Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment
• Last Action: 1/21/2016 - Second Read and Referred S Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee
• Journal Page: S161
• Effective Date: August 28, 2016

Current Bill Summary

SB 943 - Currently, the maximum penalties for violations of federally mandated natural gas safety standards shall not be greater than $15,000 for each violation with a maximum penalty not to exceed $150,000 for multiple violations, with such penalties increasing every decade beginning in 2015. Under this act, the existing civil penalties are repealed, and the civil penalty for such violations shall not exceed an amount as determined by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation pursuant to federal law, which is currently not to exceed $200,000 for each violation for each day with a maximum penalty not to exceed $2,000,000 for any series of violations.

This act is identical to a provision contained in SB 491 (2015), and is substantially similar to HB 2508 (2016).

KAYLA HAHN