HCS HB 426 -- PROPANE SAFETY (Parson)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN:  Special Committee on General Laws

This substitute establishes the Missouri Propane Safety Act.  In
its main provisions, the substitute:

(1)  Establishes the seven-member Missouri Propane Safety
Commission within the Department of Agriculture and specifies the
criteria for membership, term of office, and procedures for the
removal from office;

(2)  Requires the commission to employ a director and allows the
commission to hire additional staff;

(3)  Authorizes the commission to regulate propane under
Chapter 323, RSMo, establish rules in accordance with
Section 323.020, and conduct hearings and regulate disputes
arising under the chapter;

(4)  Requires the commission to undertake various functions
including the development of propane safety plans, the receipt of
private and federal funds, and the general supervision and
representation of Missouri in all matters arising under
Chapter 323;

(5)  Authorizes the department director to conduct
investigations, subpoena witnesses, require attendance at
hearings, inspect premises, and produce reports;

(6)  Specifies the criteria for establishing an initial fee for
the funding of inspections of propane installations and allows
the commission and department director to change the fee
structure as specified in the substitute;

(7)  Allows the commission to establish fees for permits,
licenses, and certificates required by Chapter 323 and to change
the fee structure every two years;

(8)  Requires funds to be used solely for the enforcement of
Chapter 323 and prohibits the use of any funds for lobbying; and

(9)  Allows the department director to impose specified civil
penalties and issue cease and desist orders.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:19 am