BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3292

By: Crownover

Energy Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, natural gas distribution system operators are assessed a an annual inspection fee in an amount not to exceed 50 cents to help fund the Railroad Commission of Texas' pipeline safety operations.  With the recent activity in the Barnett Shale and the rest of the state, the current fee is not adequate to provide the safety inspectors needed to address the additional activity. 

H.B. 3292 raises the fee from an amount not to exceed 50 cents to an amount not to exceed one dollar.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3292 amends the Utilities Code to increase from an amount not to exceed 50 cents to an amount not to exceed one dollar the annual inspection fee the Railroad Commission of Texas is authorized to assess each operator of a natural gas distribution system.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2009.