SB 960 Summary

• Requires parties to contracts approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to first bring disputes to the Authority before appealing to court, establishing a new dispute resolution process for ratepayer-funded utility contracts.

• Extends whistleblower protections to employees of gas transportation companies and contractors, prohibiting retaliation for reporting misfeasance or safety violations with strict timelines for preliminary findings and reinstatement of discharged employees.

• Establishes operator qualification requirements for individuals performing covered tasks on pipeline facilities, including mandatory training, evaluation, and documentation in compliance with federal regulations (49 CFR 192, Subpart N).

• Expands geographic information system mapping requirements for gas transportation companies and requires remote real-time access to electronic systems upon Authority determination of public benefit.

• Updates the Call Before You Dig Program enforcement, increasing maximum civil penalties to $40,000 for violations and establishing a 30-day hearing deadline; caps penalties for marking failures without property damage or gross negligence at $1,000.