Bill > SB2368

This bill amends Section 77-11-3 of the Mississippi Code to modify civil penalty provisions for violations of Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Standards. Specifically, the bill changes the maximum civil penalty that can be imposed on a public utility for safety standard violations. Instead of the previous limit of $1,000 per violation per day, with a maximum of $200,000 for related violations, the bill now caps penalties at the maximum amount specified in federal law (49 USC § 60122 and 49 CFR 190.223). The bill maintains the existing provisions that allow the chancery court to impose these penalties, and requires consideration of factors such as the size of the business, the severity of the violation, and the entity's good faith efforts to comply. The penalty can be compromised by the Mississippi Public Service Commission, subject to court approval, and can be collected through deduction from state payments or court judgment. The bill aims to align state penalties with federal standards for natural gas pipeline safety violations, ensuring consistency and preventing excessive fines.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/SB/SB2368.xml