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H 294

An Act to establish the Leslie law

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick Kearney and 1 co-sponsor

Idaho H294 sets civil penalties for pipeline safety violations: up to $2,000 per day, max $200,000 per related series, aligning with federal rules while preserving state oversight (emergency).

Accompanied a study order, see H4919
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Bill Summary · H 294

Summary: Idaho H 294 – Civil Penalties for Violations of Public Utilities Pipeline Safety Law

Overview

  • Purpose: Amend Idaho law to specify civil penalties for violations of pipeline safety provisions and related Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC) orders, aligning penalties with federal-established amounts and preserving state primacy in pipeline safety oversight.
  • Status: Enacted as Chapter 144; signed by the Governor March 21, 2025; effective March 21, 2025 (emergency clause).

What the bill does

  • Amends Idaho Code section 61-712A to set civil penalties for violations of title 61 governing pipeline facilities safety and gas transportation, and for violations of PUC orders, decisions, rules, or regulations related to pipeline safety.
  • Civil penalty provisions:
    • Penalty amount: Not to exceed $2,000 for each violation for each day the violation persists.
    • Maximum cap: The total civil penalty for any related series of violations shall not exceed $200,000 for the violation period, consistent with 49 CFR 190.223.
  • CFR reference: Incorporates the federal framework (49 CFR 190.223) for calculating penalties in related series of violations.
  • Emergency provision: The act includes an emergency clause providing for immediate effect upon passage and approval.

Context and rationale

  • The bill notes that PHMSA (federal Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) has directed state programs to adopt CFR-based penalty amounts and that PHMSA intends to take over enforcement actions of Idaho’s pipeline safety program starting January 1, 2025. Adopting CFR-based penalties maintains state primacy in pipeline safety oversight while aligning with federal standards.

Who is affected

  • Affected parties: Any person who violates or fails to comply with Idaho pipeline safety laws (Title 61) or who procures, aids, or abets such violations, as well as violations of PUC orders, decisions, rules, or regulations governing pipeline safety and gas transportation.
  • Enforcement: Penalties would be imposed by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC); penalties collected would go to the state General Fund.

Fiscal and administrative notes

  • Penalty funding: All penalties collected under the act flow into the General Fund.
  • Amounts: The total penalties assessed in a given year depend on the number and severity of violations and PUC enforcement decisions.
  • Note: The fiscal note is proponent-provided and attached to the bill; it does not constitute legislative interpretation beyond the bill’s text.

Timeline and legislative actions (highlights)

  • Introduced: February 20, 2025
  • Passed House: March 17–19, 2025 (various readings and votes)
  • Passed Senate: March 18–19, 2025 (as reflected in the legislative actions)
  • Governor: Signed March 21, 2025
  • Effective: March 21, 2025 (emergency clause)

Key takeaways

  • H 294 updates civil penalties for pipeline safety violations to align with federal penalties (up to $2,000 per violation per day; capped at $200,000 per related series).
  • It preserves Idaho’s primacy over state pipeline safety oversight while anticipating PHMSA’s enforcement role.
  • The emergency clause ensures immediate effectiveness and applicability to violations occurring from the date of passage.

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

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