SRC-HRD S.B. 1911 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1911 By: Cain Natural Resources 4-17-97 As Filed DIGEST In August of 1996 a rupture occurred in a pipeline in a rural subdivision of Kaufman County. Two fatalities resulted when two teenagers drove a pick-up truck into a vapor cloud in route to inform authorities about the pipeline leak. S.B. 1911 would authorize the Railroad Commission to adopt rules to increase public education and awareness for pipeline safety. Additionally, the commission will set parameters for a community liaison for responding to emergencies for pipeline companies. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1911 authorizes the Railroad Commission to adopt rules to increase public education and awareness for pipeline facilities and community liaison for responding to emergencies, and authorizes the commission to conduct inspections on those interstate facilities delegated through an interstate agent agreement with the Department of Transportation. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the Railroad Commission under SECTION 1 (Article 6053-1, V.T.C.S.) and SECTION 2 (Article 6053-1, V.T.C.S.) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Title 102, Article 6053-1, V.T.C.S., to provide that the Railroad Commission (commission) also has the authority to conduct inspections on those interstate facilities delegated through an interstate agent agreement with the Department of Transportation. SECTION 2. Amends Article 6053-1, V.T.C.S., by adding Section (e), to require the commission to adopt rules for public education and awareness for pipeline facilities and community liaison for responding to emergencies. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.