STATE OF OKLAHOMA

1st Session of the 54th Legislature (2013)

SENATE BILL 969	By:	Branan

AS INTRODUCED

An Act relating to pipeline safety and prevention of excavation damage; directing the Corporation Commission to conduct a study; stating purpose; stating participants; encouraging legislative recommendations by certain date; providing for noncodification; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1.     NEW LAW     A new section of law not to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes reads as follows:
A.  The Corporation Commission is hereby encouraged to create a study group of interested stakeholders to study issues relating to pipeline safety and prevention of excavation damage.
B.  The Commission should invite any number of interested stakeholders to participate in the study as the Commission deems appropriate to address the following topics relating to pipeline safety issues:
1.  The implementation of a complaint process under the regulatory authority of the Commission;
2.  Assessing the adequacy of the current enforcement powers of the Commission;
3.  Clarifying private rights-of-action in legal proceedings; and
4.  Any other issues the Commission deems necessary.
C.  If the study group of interested stakeholders approves legislative recommendations pursuant to their findings, the Commission may submit such recommendations to the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives no later than December 1, 2013.
SECTION 2.  It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval.

54-1-623	 MJM	1/17/2013 5:10:31 PM