BILL ANALYSIS
By: Jackson, Mike
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Currently, counties and cities have different regulations regarding warning signage for pipelines. The consolidation of jurisdiction over pipeline warning signs would be appropriate.
This bill transfers jurisdiction over warning signs for pipelines in Texas to the Railroad Commission of Texas.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Railroad Commission of Texas in SECTION 1 of this bill.
ANALYSIS
This bill amends the Natural Resources Code by adding a subchapter entitled "Pipeline Facility Warning Signs." This bill clarifies the definition of "hazardous liquid." This bill states that the Railroad Commission of Texas (commission) has exclusive jurisdiction over warning signs appurtenant to natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines, gathering lines that are subject to commission jurisdiction over safety standards and distribution facilities. This bill allows the commission to adopt rules necessary to govern warning signs and states that a violation of a rule is considered to be a violation of a provision of a rule that pertains to safety and is issued under this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2007.