Honorable Craig Estes, Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB2099 by Hall (Relating to the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas to enforce requirements for the prevention of damage to interstate and intrastate underground facilities.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Natural Resources Code, the Utilities Code, and the Health and Safety Code to expand the authority of the Railroad Commission (RRC) to enforce requirements for the prevention of damage to interstate and intrastate underground facilities. RRC's authority would exist in addition to that of county and district attorneys and the Texas Underground Facility Notification Corporation. The bill would require RRC to adopt and enforce rules prescribing safety standards, best practices, and damage prevention for an interstate or intrastate pipeline facility. The bill would authorize RRC to adopt safety standards for the prevention of damage to an interstate or intrastate gas pipeline facility resulting from digging. This analysis assumes that the provisions of the bill could be implemented using existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.