Amend CSHB 2986 as follows: (1) On page 1, lines 5 and 6, strike "is amended by adding Section 102.0055" and substitute "is amended by adding Sections 102.0055 and 102.0056". (2) On page 1, line 8, between "section" and the comma, insert "and in Section 102.0056". (3) On page 1, line 15, strike "does" and substitute "and Section 102.0056 do". (4) On page 1, lines 21-22, strike "as provided by this section". (5) On page 1, line 24, strike "An" and substitute "Except in an emergency or as otherwise necessary to consider interim relief, an". (6) On page 2, line 1, after the period, insert "The informal resolution process must require the parties to a contested proceeding to elect one of the following: (1) the alternative dispute resolution procedure under Section 102.0056; (2) mediation under rules adopted by the railroad commission in conformance with Chapter 2009, Government Code; or (3) mediation consistent with Chapter 154, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, with a mediator agreed on by all parties. (d) If the parties to a contested proceeding cannot agree on an election under Subsection (c), the method described by Subsection (c)(3) shall be used. (e) A gas utility shall reimburse the costs of a complainant in a contested proceeding to the extent the railroad commission determines reasonable if the complainant prevails before the railroad commission. (f) Costs for which a prevailing complainant may receive reimbursement under this section include costs: (1) related to the investigation, preparation, prosecution, and litigation of a matter before the railroad commission, such as the costs of consultants, accountants, auditors, attorneys, expert witnesses, and engineers; and (2) that are not yet paid because payment has been deferred pending reimbursement by a gas utility. (g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title and except as provided by Subsection (h), a gas utility may not recover as or through a charge to the gas utility's customers any amount paid as reimbursement to a complainant under this section. (h) A gas utility may recover through its rates its reasonable rate case expenses attributable to defending against a complaint in a contested proceeding, if the railroad commission finds the complaint to be frivolous or without significant merit. In making a determination under this section, the railroad commission shall consider: (1) the nature and degree of the offense that is the object of the complaint; and (2) the degree to which the complaint was shown to be justified. (i) This section does not diminish or restrict the right of a municipality to obtain rate assistance and receive cost reimbursement under Section 103.022. (7) On page 2, lines 2 and 3, strike "(d) The railroad commission shall require the parties to a contested proceeding to" and substitute "Sec. 102.0056. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURE. (a) The railroad commission shall require the parties to a contested proceeding electing alternative dispute resolution under this section to". (8) From page 2, line 12, through page 4, line 19, reletter proposed Sections 102.0055(e)-(k), Utilities Code, as proposed Sections 102.0056(b)-(h), Utilities Code, and correct cross-references as necessary. (9) From page 4, line 20, through page 6, line 8, strike proposed Subsections (l) and (m). (10) On page 6, line 10, strike "is amended by adding Section 111.228" and substitute "is amended by adding Sections 111.228 and 111.229". (11) On page 6, line 12, between "section" and the comma, insert "and in Section 111.229". (12) On page 6, line 19, strike "does" and substitute "and Section 102.0056 do". (13) On page 6, lines 23-24, strike "as provided by this section". (14) On page 6, line 26, strike "An" and substitute "Except in an emergency or as otherwise necessary to consider interim relief, an". (15) On page 7, line 1, after the period, insert "The informal resolution process must require the parties to a contested proceeding to elect one of the following: (1) the alternative dispute resolution procedure under Section 111.229; (2) mediation under rules adopted by the commission in conformance with Chapter 2009, Government Code; or (3) mediation consistent with Chapter 154, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, with a mediator agreed on by all parties. (d) If the parties to a contested proceeding cannot agree on an election under Subsection (c), the method described by Subsection (c)(3) shall be used. (e) A public utility or pipeline facility shall reimburse the costs of a complainant in a contested proceeding to the extent the commission determines reasonable if the complainant prevails before the commission. (f) Costs for which a prevailing complainant may receive reimbursement under this section include costs: (1) related to the investigation, preparation, prosecution, and litigation of a matter before the commission, such as the costs of consultants, accountants, auditors, attorneys, expert witnesses, and engineers; and (2) that are not yet paid because payment has been deferred pending reimbursement by a public utility or pipeline facility. (g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title and except as provided by Subsection (h), a public utility or pipeline facility may not recover as or through a charge to the public utility's or facility's customers any amount paid as reimbursement to a complainant under this section. (h) A public utility or pipeline facility may recover through its rates its reasonable rate case expenses attributable to defending against a complaint in a contested proceeding if the commission finds the complaint to be frivolous or without significant merit. In making a determination under this section, the commission shall consider: (1) the nature and degree of the offense that is the object of the complaint; and (2) the degree to which the complaint was shown to be justified. (i) This section does not diminish or restrict the right of a municipality to obtain rate assistance and receive cost reimbursement under Section 103.022. (16) On page 7, lines 2 and 3, strike "(d) The commission shall require the parties to a contested proceeding to" and substitute "Sec. 111.229. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURE. (a) The commission shall require the parties to a contested proceeding electing alternative dispute resolution under this section to". (17) From page 7, line 11 through page 9, line 10, reletter proposed Sections 111.228(e)-(k), Natural Resources Code, as proposed Sections 111.229(b)-(h), Natural Resources Code, and correct cross-references as necessary. (18) From page 9, line 11, through page 10, line 25, strike proposed Subsections (l) and (m).