MS HB1319

Declares intrastate gas pipelines and gas gatherers as common carriers required to provide open access transportation and gathering services on a nondiscriminatory basis to any shipper requesting services.

Prohibits gas pipeline operators and gatherers from discriminating in favor of gas they own, produce, or purchase, or gas owned by affiliates.

Establishes Public Service Commission authority to resolve disputes over service rates and terms when shippers and carriers cannot agree, with commissions determining just and reasonable fees based on competitive market factors rather than utility rate-of-return basis.

Exempts persons operating intrastate pipelines and gathering systems from being classified as public utilities and from obtaining certificates of public convenience and necessity from the commission.

Requires commission hearings on complaints to be held within 60 days of filing, with final orders issued within 120 days, and allows interim rates to be set during proceedings if parties cannot agree.