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.