SB 858 Summary

• Civil penalties for "Call Before You Dig" violations increased to maximum of $40,000, with reduced penalties of up to $1,000 for utilities that fail to mark underground facilities without causing damage or gross negligence.

• Increases penalty for obstructing Public Utilities Regulatory Authority officials from $200 to $10,000 and adds enforcement authority for gas transportation workers.

• Expands PURA's authority to conduct audits and investigations of persons involved in gas transportation, with same powers as existing audits of public service companies.

• Adds whistleblower protections for employees reporting misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance at utilities and gas companies, with reinstatement rights and civil penalties for retaliation.

• Authorizes PURA to adopt intrastate gas pipeline safety standards and issue waivers consistent with federal standards, with civil penalties up to $10,000 per day for violations; allows utility commissioners to immediately halt dangerous work by gas transportation workers.