This bill amends several sections of South Dakota's pipeline safety regulations to update citations to federal regulations and clarify the roles and responsibilities of the Public Utilities Commission regarding pipeline safety inspections. Key amendments include the adoption of federal safety standards as outlined in 49 C.F.R. parts 191 to 193, and the establishment of a pipeline safety inspection program that complies with state certification requirements under 49 U.S.C. 60105. The commission is also granted the authority to create safety standards for intrastate gas transportation that align with federal standards, while ensuring that existing facilities are not subject to new construction-related standards.

Additionally, the bill specifies that individuals cannot face civil penalties under state law if they have already been penalized under federal law for the same conduct. It allows the commission to act as an agent for the U.S. Department of Transportation in implementing federal pipeline safety regulations and to seek federal designation for its inspectors. The bill also emphasizes the confidentiality of trade secret information obtained by the commission, while ensuring that such information can still be disclosed to legislative committees. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance pipeline safety oversight and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/01/2026: 49-34B-1, 49-34B-3, 49-34B-4, 49-34B-13, 49-34B-14, 49-34B-15, 49-34B-19, 49-34B-22
Enrolled, 03/03/2026: 49-34B-1, 49-34B-3, 49-34B-4, 49-34B-13, 49-34B-14, 49-34B-15, 49-34B-19, 49-34B-22