SRC-JRN S.B. 963 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 963 By: Shapiro Education 4-14-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, no Texas law provides for the testing of natural gas piping systems in school district facilities. Schools having natural gas leaks may be unaware of these leaks unless gas tests are performed. This bill sets forth requirements for the testing of natural gas piping systems in school district facilities. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 963 sets forth requirements for 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 pressure test the natural gas piping system in each school district, before the beginning of each school year. Requires the pressure test to determine whether the natural gas piping downstream of the school district's meter holds at least normal operating pressure over a specified period determined by the Railroad Commission of Texas (commission). Requires each system supply inlet and outlet in the facility to be closed during the pressure test. Requires the commission to assist the district in developing a procedure for conducting the test at the request of a school district. Sec. 2. Requires each school district to provide written notice to the natural gas supplier specifying the date and result of each pressure test. Requires the natural gas supplier to maintain a copy of the notice until at least the first anniversary of the date on which the supplier received the notice. Requires the supplier to terminate service to a school district facility if the supplier receives notice of a hazardous natural gas leakage in the facility piping system, or the district fails to perform a test at the facility as required by this article. SECTION 2. Provides that if a school district is not able to pressure test the natural gas piping system as required by that article, before the beginning of the 1997-1998 school year, the district is required to perform the test as soon as practicable thereafter, notwithstanding Article 6053-2a, V.T.C.S. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.