By: Anchia H.B. No. 866
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the replacement of certain gas pipelines with plastic
pipelines; clarifying changes to related administrative penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Sections 121.206(a) and (d), Utilities Code, are
amended to read as follows:
(a) The railroad commission may assess an administrative
penalty against a person who violates Section 121.201 or a safety
standard or other rule prescribed or adopted under this subchapter
[that section].
(d) The railroad commission by rule shall adopt guidelines
to be used in determining the amount of a penalty under this
subchapter. The guidelines shall include a penalty calculation
worksheet that specifies the typical penalty for certain
violations, circumstances justifying enhancement of a penalty and
the amount of the enhancement, and circumstances justifying a
reduction in a penalty and the amount of the reduction. The
guidelines shall take into account:
(1) the person's history of previous violations of
Section 121.201 or a safety standard or other rule prescribed or
adopted under this subchapter [that section], including the number
of previous violations;
(2) the seriousness of the violation and of any
pollution resulting from the violation;
(3) any hazard to the health or safety of the public;
(4) the degree of culpability;
(5) the demonstrated good faith of the person charged;
and
(6) any other factor the commission considers
relevant.
SECTION 2. Subchapter E, Chapter 121, Utilities Code, is
amended by adding Section 121.213 to read as follows:
Sec. 121.213. REQUIRED PIPELINE MATERIALS. (a) A
distribution gas pipeline facility operator may not install as part
of the operator's system a cast iron, wrought iron, or bare steel
pipeline.
(b) A distribution gas pipeline facility operator shall
replace any cast iron, wrought iron, or bare steel pipelines
installed as part of the operator's facility with plastic pipelines
not later than December 31, 2020.
(c) Subsection (b) and this subsection expire September 1,
2021.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2019.