Bill > HB1034

This bill modifies Missouri's regulations regarding civil penalties for violations of federally mandated natural gas safety standards. The bill removes the previous fixed penalty structure with incremental increases over time and instead adopts the maximum penalty amount as determined by the United States Secretary of Transportation under 49 CFR Part 190.223(a). When assessing penalties, the commission must consider multiple factors including the nature and gravity of the violation, the entity's degree of culpability, history of prior violations, impact on business operations, good faith compliance efforts, and ability to pay. The bill clarifies that each violation of a natural gas safety standard is considered a separate offense, and each day of a continuing violation constitutes a distinct offense. The legislation applies to corporations, persons, public utilities, and municipalities that own gas plants, with municipalities being subject to the provisions only for violations of natural gas safety laws, rules, or orders. The bill is deemed an emergency act, allowing immediate implementation to enable Missouri to set its own standards for natural gas safety, with the act taking full effect upon passage and approval.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1034&year=2025&code=R