78R4486 SMH-F

By:  Chisum                                                       H.B. No. 1185



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the contents of a plan for the assessment or testing of 
a pipeline.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Chapter 118, Natural Resources Code, is amended 
by adding Section 118.0035 to read as follows:
	Sec. 118.0035.  PIPELINE ASSESSMENT OR TESTING METHODS.  (a)  
A plan must provide for assessment or testing of a pipeline by:
		(1)  in-line inspection;                                               
		(2)  pressure test;                                                    
		(3)  direct assessment; or                                             
		(4)  another method approved by the Railroad Commission 
of Texas.    
	(b)  The Railroad Commission of Texas may conduct a hearing 
regarding the use of a pipeline assessment or testing method other 
than a method listed under Subsections (a)(1)-(3) before approving 
the use of the method under Subsection (a)(4).
	SECTION 2.  (a)  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.                      
	(b)  The change in law made by this Act applies only to a plan 
for the assessment or testing of a pipeline filed with the Railroad 
Commission of Texas on or after the effective date of this Act.  A 
plan filed with the commission before the effective date of this Act 
is governed by the law as it existed immediately before the 
effective date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for 
that purpose.