reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
SC Code § 58-5-720 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-720. Filing of bond of certificates of deposit prior to approval by commission of construction or other work on water or sewer system; forfeiture.

 The commission shall, before the granting of authority or consent to any water or sewer utility regulated by the commission, for the construction, operation, maintenance, acquisition, expansion, or improvement of any facility or system, prescribe as a condition to the consent or approval that the utility shall:  (1) file with the commission a bond with sufficient surety, as approved by the commission, in an amount not less than one hundred thousand dollars and not more than three hundred fifty thousand dollars payable to the commission and conditioned upon the provision by the utility of adequate and sufficient service within its service area and provide a copy of the bond to the Office of Regulatory Staff; or  (2) deliver to the commission certificates of deposit, with endorsements as required by the commission, of federal or state chartered banks or savings and loan associations who maintain an office in this State and whose accounts are insured by either the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The certificates of deposit shall not exceed the amount covered by insurance. The commission has the right, upon notice and hearing, to declare all or any part of the bond or certificate of deposit forfeited upon a determination by the commission that the utility failed to provide service without just cause or excuse and that this failure has continued for an unreasonable length of time. A further condition of the bond or certificate of deposit shall be the provision for payment to the commission of any fine or penalty imposed or assessed by the commission against the utility under the provisions of Section 58-5-710.  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-149; 1969 (56) 244; 1978 Act No. 479, eff April 19, 1978; 1999 Act No. 22, Section 2, eff June 1, 1999; 2006 Act No. 318, Section 18, eff May 24, 2006.
SC Code § 58-5-730 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-730. Appointment of receiver upon failure of utility to provide adequate and sufficient service.

 If the commission, after notice and hearing, determines that a utility subject to the regulations of the commission has wilfully failed to provide adequate and sufficient service for an unreasonable length of time and that it is likely to continue such failure to the detriment of the public served by the utility, or if the commission shall determine after notice and hearing, that adequate and sufficient service is not being provided by such utility and that such utility is unable to provide such service for any reason, the Office of Regulatory Staff shall have the right to petition the court of common pleas for the county wherein the utility shall have its principal office or place of business for the appointment of a receiver to assume possession of the facilities and system and to operate such utility upon such terms and conditions as the court shall prescribe. The court shall require as a condition to the appointment of such receiver that a sufficient bond be given by the receiver and conditioned upon his compliance with the orders of the court and the protection of all property rights involved. The court shall have the right to provide for disposition of the facilities and system in like manner as any other receivership proceeding in this State.  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-150; 1969 (56) 244; 2006 Act No. 318, Section 19, eff May 24, 2006.
SC Code § 58-5-740 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-740. Rights and remedies are cumulative.

 The rights and remedies granted or imposed by this article shall be deemed cumulative and not in derogation of any other rights and remedies prescribed by law relative to the organization and control of public utilities.  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-150.1; 1969 (56) 244.
SC Code § 58-5-750 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-750. Appeals.

 Any party in interest being dissatisfied with an order of the Commission may appeal as provided by statutory law.  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-150.2; 1969 (56) 244.
SC Code § 58-5-910 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-910. Short title.

 This article shall be entitled "The South Carolina Gas Safety Act of 1970."  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-136; 1970 (56) 2420.
SC Code § 58-5-920 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-920. Definitions.

 When used in this article:  (a) The term "commission" means the Public Service Commission of the State of South Carolina.  (b) The term "commissioner" means one of the members of the Public Service Commission of South Carolina.  (c) The term "corporation" includes all private or public corporations, business trusts, joint stock companies or associations, domestic or foreign, their lessees, assignees, trustees, receivers or other successors in interest, having any of the powers or privileges of corporations not possessed by individuals or partnerships.  (d) The term "Federal safety standards" shall mean the minimum standards of gas safety adopted by the United States Department of Transportation pursuant to the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-481, 49 U.S.C. Section 1672), as may be amended from time to time, and any rules and regulations promulgated by any regulatory agency of the United States of America having jurisdiction thereof.  (e) The term "gas" means natural gas, flammable gas or gas which is toxic or corrosive.  (f) The term "gas utility" includes persons, corporations and gas authorities, municipalities, public service districts and other political subdivisions of this State and which are not subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Power Commission as provided for by Section 3(b) of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968. (P.L. 90-481) (49 U.S.C. Section 1672(b)). Provided, however, that gas authorities, municipalities and public service districts and other political subdivisions of this State shall remain exempt from any economic regulation by the Commission.  (g) The term "person" includes all individuals, partnerships or associations, cooperatives, lessees, assignees, trustees, receivers or other successors in interest, other than corporations.  (h) The term "pipeline system" or "pipeline facilities" shall mean new and existing pipe rights-of-way and any equipment, facility or building used in the transportation of gas or the treatment of gas during the course of transportation; but the Commission is not authorized to prescribe the location or routing of any pipeline facility "rights-of-way."  (i) The term "public" means the public generally, or any limited portion of the public, including a person or corporation.  (j) The term "regulatory staff" means the executive director or the executive director and the employees of the Office of Regulatory Staff.  (k) The term "transportation of gas" when used in this article means gathering, transmission, distribution, and storage of gas.  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-136.1; 1970 (56) 2420; 2006 Act No. 318, Section 20, eff May 24, 2006.
SC Code § 58-5-930 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-930. Compliance with orders and regulations relating to federal safety standards.

 Each gas utility shall obey and comply with each and every requirement of every lawful order, decision, direction, rule, or regulation made or prescribed by the commission and every direction, rule, or regulation made or prescribed by the Office of Regulatory Staff in the performance of its duties under this article in relation to federal safety standards and it shall do everything reasonably necessary or proper in order to secure compliance with and observance of every such order, decision, direction, rule, or regulation by all of its officers, agents, and employees.  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-136.2; 1970 (56) 2420; 2006 Act No. 318, Section 21, eff May 24, 2006.
SC Code § 58-5-940 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-940. Assessments against gas utilities for administrative expenses and charges.

 All lawful expenses and charges incurred by the commission and the Office of Regulatory Staff in the administration of this chapter and in performance of its duties thereunder shall be defrayed by assessments made by the Comptroller General against the gas utilities regulated thereunder and based upon the gross revenues collected by the gas utilities from their business done wholly within this State in the manner set out in Section 58-3-100 for other corporations; provided, however, the assessments against municipalities, gas authorities, public service districts, or other political subdivisions of the State shall be applicable only to expenses and charges incurred in the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this article relating to gas safety requirements.  The Public Service Commission and the Office of Regulatory Staff shall certify to the Comptroller General annually on or before August first the amounts to be assessed in the format approved by the Comptroller General.  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-136.3; 1970 (56) 2420; 1982 Act No. 331, Section 2, eff April 9, 1982; 2006 Act No. 318, Section 22, eff May 24, 2006.
SC Code § 58-5-950 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-950. Employment of staff; legal representation.

 The commission and the Office of Regulatory Staff may employ such technical administrative and clerical staff as may be required to carry out the provisions of this article and to perform the duties and exercise the powers conferred upon it by this article in relation to gas utilities. The Office of Regulatory Staff shall institute and defend all suits or actions arising under this chapter.  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-136.4; 1970 (56) 2420; 2006 Act No. 318, Section 23, eff May 24, 2006.
SC Code § 58-5-960 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-960. Compliance with safety standards.

 All pipeline facilities used in this State for the transportation of gas must be constructed, operated, and maintained in such a manner as at all times to be in compliance with minimum federal safety standards and with the safety standards adopted by the commission.  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-137.1; 1970 (56) 2420; 2006 Act No. 318, Section 24, eff May 24, 2006.
SC Code § 58-5-970 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-970. Adoption and enforcement of federal standards for pipeline facilities and transportation.

 The Office of Regulatory Staff is authorized to adopt and enforce the minimum federal safety standards for the transportation of gas and pipeline facilities established by the Secretary of Transportation pursuant to Section 3 (b) of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-481) [49 U.S.C. Section 1672 (b)], as may be amended from time to time.  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-137.2; 1970 (56) 2420; 2006 Act No. 318, Section 25, eff May 24, 2006.
SC Code § 58-5-980 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-980. Additional minimum safety standards.

 (a) After reasonable notice and an opportunity for the submission for written data, view, or arguments with or without opportunity for oral presentation by interested gas utilities, the regulatory staff, and the public, the commission may establish additional minimum safety standards for pipeline facilities and the transportation of gas (not subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Power Commission under the Natural Gas Act) in this State.  (b) Gas safety standards may apply to the design, installation, inspection, testing, construction, extension, replacement and maintenance of the facilities. The safety standards shall be practicable and designed to meet the need for pipeline safety. In prescribing the standards, the Commission shall consider: (1) relevant pipeline safety data; (2) whether the standards are appropriate for the particular type of pipeline transportation and distribution; (3) the reasonableness of any proposed standards; and (4) the extent to which the standards will contribute to the public safety.  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-138; 1970 (56) 2420; 2006 Act No. 318, Section 26, eff May 24, 2006.
SC Code § 58-5-990 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-990. Application for rehearing; judicial review.

 A gas utility which is or will be adversely affected by a rule or order of the commission adopted or established pursuant to this article may file an application for rehearing and may seek judicial review in accordance with provisions of Section 58-5-340. The commission must not be named a party to any action.  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-139; 1970 (56) 2420; 2006 Act No. 318, Section 27, eff May 24, 2006; 2006 Act No. 387, Section 40, eff July 1, 2006.  Editor's Note  2006 Act No. 387, Section 53, provides as follows:  "This act is intended to provide a uniform procedure for contested cases and appeals from administrative agencies and to the extent that a provision of this act conflicts with an existing statute or regulation, the provisions of this act are controlling."  2006 Act No. 387, Section 57, provides as follows:  "This act takes effect on July 1, 2006, and applies to any actions pending on or after the effective date of the act. No pending or vested right, civil action, special proceeding, or appeal of a final administrative decision exists under the former law as of the effective date of this act, except for appeals of Department of Health and Environmental Control Ocean and Coastal Resource Management and Environmental Quality Control permits that are before the Administrative Law Court on the effective date of this act and petitions for judicial review that are pending before the circuit court. For those actions only, the department shall hear appeals from the administrative law judges and the circuit court shall hear pending petitions for judicial review in accordance with the former law. Thereafter, any appeal of those actions shall proceed as provided in this act for review. For all other actions pending on the effective date of this act, the action proceeds as provided in this act for review."
SC Code § 58-5-1000 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-1000. Certain gas utilities shall file plans for inspection and maintenance of pipeline facilities; revision of plans.

 (a) Each gas utility that engages in the transportation of gas or which owns or operates pipeline facilities not subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Power Commission under the Natural Gas Act shall file with the Office of Regulatory Staff a plan for inspection and maintenance of each pipeline facility owned or operated by the gas utility, and any changes in the plan, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the commission.  (b) The commission may by regulation also require any gas utility which engages in the transportation of gas or which owns or operates pipeline facilities subject to the provisions of this article to file its plan for approval with the Office of Regulatory Staff.  (c) If at any time the Commission finds that the plan is inadequate to achieve safe operation it shall, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, require the plan to be revised. The plan required by the Commission shall be practicable and designed to meet the need for pipeline safety. In determining the adequacy of any plan, the Commission shall consider: (1) relevant, available pipeline safety data; (2) whether the plan is appropriate for the particular type of pipeline transportation; (3) the reasonableness of the plan; and (4) the extent to which the plan will contribute to public safety.  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-140; 1970 (56) 2420; 2006 Act No. 318, Section 28, eff May 24, 2006.
SC Code § 58-5-1020 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-1020. Duties of certain gas utilities with regard to safety standards, inspection and maintenance plans and records.

 Each gas utility which engages in the transportation of gas or which owns or operates pipeline facilities shall:  (a) At all times after the date any applicable safety standard established under this article takes effect, comply with the requirements of such standard; and  (b) File and comply with a plan of inspection and maintenance required by Section 58-5-1000; and  (c) Permit access to or copying of records; and make reports or provide information, and permit entry or inspection as required under Section 58-5-1010.  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-142; 1970 (56) 2420.
SC Code § 58-5-1030 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-1030. Civil penalties.

 (a) A gas utility which violates a provision of Section 58-5-1020 or a regulation under this article is subject to a civil penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars for each violation for each day that the violation persists, except that the maximum civil penalty may not exceed five hundred thousand dollars for any related series of violations.  (b) A civil penalty may be compromised by the commission. In determining the amount of the penalty, or the amount agreed upon in compromise, the appropriateness of the penalty to the size of the business of the person charged, the gravity of the violation, and the good faith of the person charged in attempting to achieve compliance, after notification of a violation, must be considered. The amount of the penalty when finally determined, or the amount agreed upon in compromise, may be recovered in a civil action in the court of common pleas.  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-143; 1970 (56) 2420; 1990 Act No. 334, Section 1, eff February 20, 1990.
SC Code § 58-5-1040 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-1040. Injunctive relief.

 (a) The court of common pleas shall have jurisdiction to restrain violations of this article (including the restraining of transportation of gas or the operation of a pipeline facility) or to enforce standards established hereunder upon petition by the Office of Regulatory Staff. Whenever practicable, the Office of Regulatory Staff shall give notice to any gas utility against which an action for injunctive relief is contemplated and afford it an opportunity to present its views, and, except in the case of a knowing and willful violation, shall afford it reasonable opportunity to achieve compliance. The failure to give notice and afford an opportunity to achieve compliance shall not preclude the granting of appropriate relief.  (b) In any proceeding for criminal contempt for violation of an injunction or restraining order issued under this section, which violation also constitutes a violation of this article, trial shall be by the court or upon demand of the accused, by a jury. The trial shall be conducted in accordance with the practice and procedure applicable in such proceedings established by the court of common pleas.  (c) Actions under subsection (a) of this section and Section 58-5-1030 may be brought in the judicial circuit wherein any act or transaction constituting the violation occurred, or in the circuit wherein the defendant is found or is an inhabitant or transacts business, and process in such cases may be served in any other circuit of which the defendant is an inhabitant or transacts business or wherever the defendant may be found.  (d) In any action brought under subsection (a) of this section and Section 58-5-1030, subpoenas for witnesses who are required to attend a court of common pleas may be served in any county.  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-144; 1970 (56) 2420; 2006 Act No. 318, Section 30, eff May 24, 2006.
SC Code § 58-5-1050 (2021)
2021 South Carolina Code of Laws|Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers|Chapter 5 - Gas, Heat, Water, Sewerage Collection And Disposal, And Street Railway Companies|Section 58-5-1050. Interaction with federal agencies.

 (a) As soon as practicable after April 23, 1970, and every year thereafter, the Office of Regulatory Staff shall submit an annual certification to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation as provided for in Section 5(a) of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-481) [49 U.S.C. Section 1674(a)], as may be amended from time to time.  (b) In the event that a new or amended federal safety standard is adopted, the Office of Regulatory Staff shall submit an appropriate certification to comply with Section 5(d) of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 [P.L. 90-481, 49 U.S.C. Section 1674(d)].  (c) The Office of Regulatory Staff is further empowered to make and to provide certifications, reports, and information to the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation or any other regulatory agency of the United States having jurisdiction over federal safety standards; to enter into agreements with the Secretary to carry out the purposes of this article; to enforce federal safety standards in the State in lieu of enforcement by the Department of Transportation as permitted by the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, as may be amended from time to time; and to exercise regulatory jurisdiction over the safety of pipeline systems and the transportation of gas as permitted by the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, as may be amended from time to time.  HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 58-145; 1970 (56) 2420; 2006 Act No. 318, Section 31, eff May 24, 2006.