Relating to regulation of gas pipelines; providing penalties.
Impact
The implications of SB1135 are significant as it creates a structured regulatory environment whereby the Railroad Commission of Texas holds the authority to set and adjust gas pipeline rates. This is designed to provide consumers with fair utility rates and to facilitate oversight over the financial health and investment practices of gas pipelines. The law stipulates that rate changes must be filed in advance and allows the commission to suspend rate changes if deemed necessary, fostering greater accountability.
Summary
SB1135, titled the Gas Pipeline Regulatory Act, introduces comprehensive regulatory measures for gas pipelines in Texas aimed at protecting consumer interests by ensuring just and reasonable rates. The bill establishes a framework under which gas pipelines operate, mandating transparency in rate changes and introducing penalties for noncompliance. It underscores the monopolistic nature of gas pipelines and the need for regulatory oversight in areas where competition does not naturally regulate prices.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SB1135 appears to be mixed among stakeholders. Supporters emphasize the need for stringent oversight to protect consumers from unpredictable rate hikes and service inconsistencies. Meanwhile, opponents express concerns about potential overregulation leading to less operational flexibility for gas pipelines, which they argue could stifle investment in infrastructure. Discussions reflect anxieties regarding the balance between regulation and incentivizing service provision in the natural gas sector.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the regulation of rate increases and adjustments that pipelines can implement without prior approval. Some stakeholders argue that the bill may impede timely investments in pipeline infrastructure maintenance and expansion, as delays in regulatory approval could lead to financial burdens. Moreover, the establishment of civil penalties for violations raises concerns among some operators about the risk of punitive measures affecting their operational viability.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Energy Insurance Program and other funding mechanisms to support the construction and operation of electric generating facilities.
Relating to state and municipal motor fuel taxes; providing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing the imposition of taxes; providing for increases and decreases in the rates of taxes.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.
Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to the creation of the Dallas Municipal Management District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments and fees.
Relating to the creation of the Dallas Municipal Management District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments and fees.
Relating to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel to the Water Public Utility Commission and the Office of Water Public Utility Counsel; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the transfer of functions relating to the rates and services of certain gas utilities, propane distribution system retailers, and submetering from the Railroad Commission of Texas to the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Relating to standards and procedures for determining whether a person who owns, operates, or manages a pipeline is a common carrier; authorizing a fee.
Relating to certain extraordinary costs incurred by certain gas utilities relating to Winter Storm Uri and a study of measures to mitigate similar future costs; providing authority to issue bonds and impose fees and assessments.