SRC-AXB H.B. 3476 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 3476 By: Averitt (Wentworth) Education 5/12/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, approximately 694 school facilities in 239 school districts have installed a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) system, yet there is no test for this LPG system. During the two years natural gas pressure tests have been required, approximately 53 percent of school districts have reported at least one school that failed the test. H.B. 3476 requires LPG leak tests for all schools and grants rulemaking authority to the Railroad Commission of Texas. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 3476 requires liquefied petroleum gas leak tests for all schools and grants rulemaking authority to the Railroad Commission of Texas. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the Railroad Commission of Texas in SECTION 1 (Section 113.054(i), Natural Resources Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 113C, Natural Resources Code, by adding Section 113.054, as follows: Sec. 113.054. TESTING OF LPG SYSTEMS IN SCHOOL FACILITIES. Requires each school to conduct a leak test on the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) system within certain deadlines. Sets forth timeline provisions for the performance of the leak test. Defines "school facility." Requires the leak test to determine whether the LPG system holds a minimum pressure specified in the National Fuel Gas Code. Requires the leak test to be conducted in accordance with National Fire Protection Association 54. Sets forth written notification requirements regarding the leak test. Requires the supplier to maintain a copy of the notice for at least two years after its receipt. Requires a supplier to terminate service to a school facility under certain conditions. Defines "supplier." Requires the Railroad Commission of Texas (commission) to assist in the certification of a school district employee to conduct the leak test. Authorizes the commission to adopt rules to administer and enforce this section. Requires the commission to enforce this section, and gives the commission jurisdiction over schools for this purpose. SECTION 2. Sets forth provisions for a school which is unable to conduct the required leak tests. SECTION 3.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.