SB435 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Cam Ward

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Public Service Commission, regulation of pipelines for gas and hazardous liquids, penalties for violation of safety standards increased, Secs. 37-4-87, 37-4-96 am'd.

Summary

SB435 raises Alabama's penalties for gas and hazardous liquid pipeline safety violations to align with federal penalties and strengthens enforcement by the Public Service Commission.

What This Bill Does

The bill increases civil penalties for safety violations related to gas pipelines and hazardous liquid pipelines, setting up to $200,000 per violation per day with a maximum of $2,000,000 for any related series of violations. It applies to existing statutes related to the Public Service Commission's enforcement and mirrors federal penalty levels. It also clarifies that penalties may be compromised, and may be collected by deducting from sums owed to the violator or through a civil action in circuit court; the act becomes effective immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Pipeline operators and owners of gas pipelines and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities in Alabama, who could face higher civil penalties for safety violations (up to $200,000 per violation per day and up to $2,000,000 for related series).
• The Public Service Commission and the state's enforcement system, which will determine, impose, potentially compromise, and collect these penalties (including options to deduct penalties from sums owed by the state and to pursue recovery in circuit court).

Key Provisions

• §37-4-87 and §37-4-96: penalties increased to a maximum of $200,000 per violation per day, with a cap of $2,000,000 for any related series of violations.
• §37-4-87 and §37-4-96: penalties may be compromised; factors to consider include the violator's size, the gravity of the violation, and the violator's good faith in achieving compliance; penalties may be deducted from sums owed by the State or recovered in circuit court.
• Section 2: the act becomes effective immediately following passage and the governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Public Service Commission