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SF 136

A bill for an act relating to hazardous liquid pipelines, including the establishment of setbacks and safety regulations, specified utility construction project requirements, pipeline project investor disclosures, voluntary easement negotiation requirements, and provisions for land surveys in connection with hazardous liquid pipeline construction projects, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Alons and 8 co-sponsors

SF 136 enhances safety for hazardous liquid pipelines, requiring permits, protecting landowner rights, and ensuring compensation for damages to land and resources.

Subcommittee: Bousselot, Blake, and Webster.
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Bill Summary · SF 136

Summary of SF 136: Hazardous Liquid Pipelines Act

Bill Number: SF 136
Introduced On: January 23, 2025
Status: Currently in Subcommittee (Bousselot, Blake, and Webster)
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Arbitration, Carbon Dioxide, Civil Procedure, Construction Work, Damages, Disclosure, Easements, Eminent Domain, Hazardous Liquid Pipelines, Investments, Land Surveying, Pipelines, Real Property, Safety, Utilities, Utilities Commission

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of SF 136 is to enhance safety regulations and establish clear guidelines for the construction and operation of hazardous liquid pipelines. The bill seeks to ensure that pipeline projects adhere to safety standards while protecting the rights of landowners and the environment.

Key Provisions

  1. Setbacks and Safety Regulations:

    • Establishes mandatory setbacks for hazardous liquid pipelines to minimize risks to nearby properties and communities.
    • Requires pipeline companies to bury pipelines with at least eight feet of cover for future drainage considerations.

  2. Utility Construction Project Requirements:

    • Pipeline companies must obtain all necessary federal, state, and local permits before commencing construction.
    • Companies must release results from any plume modeling studies when applying for permits that grant them eminent domain powers.

  3. Eminent Domain Restrictions:

    • Companies must acquire at least 90% of affected parcels through voluntary easements before seeking eminent domain.
    • Prohibits the granting of eminent domain for interstate pipeline projects unless all relevant permits from other states are secured.

  4. Landowner Rights and Compensation:

    • Expands the definition of "landowner" to include farm tenants, allowing them to file complaints regarding violations of land restoration standards.
    • Increases the scope of compensable damages to include soil compaction, damage to conservation structures, and impacts on irrigation or drainage systems.
    • Landowners can seek compensation for any identifiable loss resulting from pipeline activities.

  5. Legal Recourse:

    • Landowners may file actions in small claims or district court for violations of compensation standards under the bill.

Impact

  • Landowners and Farmers: The bill significantly enhances protections for landowners, particularly farmers and tenants, by expanding their rights to seek compensation and ensuring their voices are heard in the permitting process.
  • Pipeline Companies: Companies will face stricter requirements and increased scrutiny regarding their construction practices and land acquisition methods.
  • Regulatory Bodies: The bill mandates greater oversight from the relevant commissions and county boards, ensuring compliance with land restoration and safety standards.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the Commerce Committee on January 23, 2025.
  • It is currently under review by a subcommittee, with further legislative actions expected as discussions progress.

In summary, SF 136 aims to create a safer and more equitable framework for hazardous liquid pipeline projects, balancing the interests of infrastructure development with the rights and safety of landowners and the environment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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