SRC-MAX H.B. 1611 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1611
By: Turner, Bob (Shapiro)
Education
5-11-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, school districts are not required to perform annual pressure
tests on their natural gas piping systems, although the Railroad
Commission does monitor school campuses for leakage.  This bill requires
school districts to perform annual pressure tests on their natural gas
piping systems. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1611 sets forth provisions regarding the testing of
natural gas piping systems in school district facilities.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Title 102, V.T.C.S., by adding Article 6053-2a, as
follows: 

Art.  6053-2a.  TESTING OF NATURAL GAS PIPING SYSTEMS IN SCHOOL DISTRICT
FACILITIES   

Sec.  1.  Requires each school district to test the pressure in the
natural gas piping system in each school district facility and sets forth
requirements for the test and subsequent inspection of the natural gas
piping systems in school districts. 

Sec.  2.  Requires each school district to provide a written notice to the
company supplying natural gas to the district (company) which contains
certain information.  Requires the company to maintain a copy of the
notice for a certain period of time.  Requires the company to terminate
service to a school district facility under certain circumstances.
Defines "supplier."  Requires the Railroad Commission of Texas to provide
enforcement in the event of noncompliance. Provides that identified
natural gas leaks will be reported to the local school board.   

SECTION 2. Requires the school district to perform the tests or other
inspections of natural gas piping systems either before the beginning of
the 1997-1998 school year or as soon as practicable thereafter. 

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
  Effective date:  upon passage.