TITLE: Relating to complaints about rates charged by certain pipeline operators.

SUMMARY: Relating to complaints about rates charged by certain pipeline operators.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to complaints about rates charged by certain pipeline operators. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 111.185, Natural Resources Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 111.185. TEMPORARY RATES. Except as provided by Section 111.2211, if [If] a common carrier makes application or files a tariff to establish a new rate on either a new or old line, a temporary rate may be placed into effect immediately on filing the tariff with the commission. SECTION 2. Subchapter G, Chapter 111, Natural Resources Code, is amended by adding Section 111.2211 to read as follows: Sec. 111.2211. RATE COMPLAINTS. (a) If a complaint is filed with the commission about a rate charged by a person who owns, operates, or manages a pipeline or any part of a pipeline regulated under this chapter, the person who is the subject of the complaint may charge, until the date the commission makes a determination on the complaint, only a rate equal to or less than the rate preceding the rate that is the subject of the complaint. (b) The commission shall conduct a hearing and make a determination on the complaint not later than the 180th day after the date the complaint is filed. (c) If the commission determines that the complaint is invalid, the person who is the subject of the complaint is entitled to charge the finally determined proper rate for services provided after the date the complaint was filed. SECTION 3. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to a complaint filed with the Railroad Commission of Texas on or after the effective date of this Act. A complaint filed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect immediately before that date, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.