SCS HCS HB 426 -- PROPANE SAFETY

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

(1)  Establishes the nine-member Missouri Propane Gas Commission
within the Department of Agriculture and specifies the criteria
for membership, term of office, and procedures for 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; the preparation of an annual report of
its activities to the department, Governor, and General Assembly;
and the general supervision and representation of the State of
Missouri regarding all matters under Chapter 323;

(5)  Authorizes the department director to conduct
investigations, subpoena witnesses, require attendance at
hearings, inspect premises, produce reports, impose specified
civil penalties, and issue cease and desist orders;

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

(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)  Creates the Propane Inspection Fund to be used solely for
the enforcement of Chapter 323 and prohibits the use of moneys
from this fund for lobbying; and

(9)  Allows any political subdivision to establish licensing
requirements for persons who install, repair, replace, or
maintain liquefied petroleum gas or any other fuel gas piping
system but prohibits them from adopting any local law in conflict
with state requirements for liquefied petroleum gases.

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