SENATE ECONOMIC GROWTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 679

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 18, 2018

The Senate Economic Growth Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 679.

      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.

This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2018-2019 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.