SB 969 Summary

• Creates an 11-member Pipeline Safety Task Force appointed by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (3 members by Governor, 4 by Senate President Pro Tempore, 4 by House Speaker) with a Commission chair, requiring at least 8 members to be pipeline operators or excavators.

• Task force shall assess pipeline safety and excavation damage prevention relating to federal Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety Act regulations and PHMSA rules, including consistency with Oklahoma Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act.

• Identifies specific prohibited practices for potential enforcement authority including: unauthorized excavation without notification, failure to use proper excavation procedures, failure to report damage, failure to report dangerous incidents to 911, failure by operators to report incidents, frivolous notifications, and repeated violations.

• Requires task force to submit preliminary findings by December 1, 2013, and final report within 30 days of PHMSA issuance of final rules in Docket No. PHMSA-2009-0192; task force disbands upon final report submission.

• Members serve without compensation but receive travel reimbursement through their appointing authority; bill declared emergency effective upon passage and approval.