Bill > HB230

This bill modifies existing Missouri law regarding civil penalties for violations of federally mandated natural gas safety standards. Specifically, the bill removes the previous fixed penalty structure with increasing dollar amounts over time and instead adopts a penalty framework that aligns with the maximum penalty amount determined by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation under federal regulations (49 CFR Part 190.223(a)). The bill continues to apply to corporations, persons, public utilities, and municipalities that own gas plants, with municipalities only being subject to the law for violations of natural gas safety laws, rules, or orders. When determining the penalty amount, the commission must consider several factors, including the nature and gravity of the violation, the entity's degree of culpability, history of prior violations, the potential impact of the penalty on the entity's operations, good faith efforts to comply, ability to pay, and other relevant matters. The bill also maintains the provision that each violation is considered a separate offense, and that each day of a continuing violation constitutes a distinct offense. The underlying goal is to ensure compliance with natural gas safety standards while providing a flexible approach to assessing penalties.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB230&year=2025&code=R