Wisconsin Legislative Council
ACT MEMO
One Ea st Ma in Stre e t, Suite 401 • Ma dison, W I 53703 • (608) 266-1304 • le g.council@le gis.wisconsin.gov • http://www.le gis.wisconsin.gov/lc
Prepared by: Brian Larson, Principal Attorney July 24, 2024
2023 Wisconsin Act 242
[2023 Senate Bill 812]
Gas Pipeline Safety
State and federal law provide that a person who owns, operates, manages, or controls any facility for the
production, transmission, or distribution of gas must construct, operate, and maintain the facility in a
reasonably adequate and safe manner. If the person fails to follow these requirements, federal law may
impose a forfeiture of up to $257,664 per violation, up to a maximum amount of $2,576,627 for a single
persisting violation, pursuant to U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulations in effect.
2023 Wisconsin Act 242 modifies state statutes to provide that the maximum penalty under state law,
for a failure to follow the above requirements, shall be the maximum amount under the applicable
USDOT regulations. Prior to the enactment of Act 242, state statutes had imposed a forfeiture of up
$25,000 per day, with a limit of $500,000 for a single persisting violation. As a result of the enactment
of Act 242, the maximum penalties allowed under state law are increased to match those under federal
law (or $257,664 per violation, with an overall limit of $2,576,627, as described above).
Effective date: March 29, 2024
For a full history of the bill, visit the Legislature’s bill history page.
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