Bill > HB141

This bill modifies provisions related to civil penalties for violations of federally mandated natural gas safety standards. Specifically, it repeals and replaces section 386.572 of Missouri law to update how penalties are determined for violations of natural gas safety standards. The bill removes previous language that set incrementally increasing penalty amounts and instead adopts the maximum penalty amount as determined by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation under federal regulations. The bill maintains that any corporation, person, public utility, or municipality owning a gas plant must comply with federal natural gas safety standards, with municipalities being subject only to natural gas safety laws, rules, or orders. When determining penalties, the commission must consider factors such as the nature and gravity of the violation, the entity's degree of culpability, history of prior violations, ability to pay, and good faith efforts to comply. The bill also clarifies that each violation is a separate offense, and each day of a continuing violation constitutes a distinct offense. Additionally, any actions of an officer, agent, or employee acting within their official scope will be considered the act of the corporation, person, public utility, or municipality they represent.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB141&year=2025&code=R