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	Amend CSHB 2986 by adding the following appropriately 
numbered SECTION to the bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of 
the bill as appropriate:
	SECTION ___.  Subchapter C, Chapter 105, Utilities Code, is 
amended by adding Section 105.052 to read as follows:
	Sec. 105.052.  COST REIMBURSEMENT.  (a)  A gas utility shall 
reimburse the costs of a complainant in a proceeding filed under 
this title or under Subchapter G, Chapter 111, Natural Resources 
Code, to the extent the regulatory authority determines reasonable 
if the complainant prevails before a regulatory authority or a 
court.
	(b)  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 a regulatory 
authority or court, 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.
	(c)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this title and 
except as provided by Subsection (d), 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.
	(d)  A gas utility may recover through its rates its 
reasonable rate case expenses attributable to defending against a 
complaint under this title or under Subchapter G, Chapter 111, 
Natural Resources Code, if the regulatory authority finds the 
complaint to be frivolous or without significant merit.  In making a 
determination under this section, the regulatory authority 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.    
	(e)  This section does not diminish or restrict the right of 
a municipality to obtain rate assistance and receive cost 
reimbursement under Section 103.022.