Bill > SB511

This bill modifies the existing law regarding civil penalties for violations of federally mandated natural gas safety standards. The key changes include replacing the previous fixed penalty structure with a maximum penalty amount that will be determined by the Secretary of Transportation under federal regulations (49 CFR Part 190.223(a)). The bill removes the previous graduated penalty schedule that increased penalties at specific dates and instead provides a more flexible approach to penalty determination. When assessing penalties, the commission must consider factors such as the nature and gravity of the violation, the entity's degree of culpability, prior violation history, the potential impact on the entity's ability to continue operations, good faith compliance efforts, and ability to pay. The bill maintains the principle that each violation of a natural gas safety standard is a separate offense, with continuing violations counting as distinct daily offenses. The bill also specifies that actions by officers, agents, or employees acting within their official scope will be considered actions of the corporation, person, public utility, or municipality. The legislation is deemed an emergency act to allow Missouri to set its own natural gas safety standards, and will take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

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https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=561026