ASSEMBLY TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND UTILITIES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2614

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 22, 2018

The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2614.

      As reported, this bill increases civil penalties for safety violations with respect to natural gas pipelines and distribution facilities and hazardous liquid underground pipelines and distribution facilities.

      Under current law, a violator is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100,000 for each violation for each day that the violation persists, with the civil penalty not exceeding $1,000,000 for any related series of violations.  Under the bill, a violator is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $200,000 for each violation for each day that the violation persists, with the civil penalty not exceeding $2,000,000 for any related series of violations.