Relating to pipeline projects, including damage claims and landowner rights, and including effective date provisions

This bill relates to pipeline projects, including damage claims and landowner rights. Under current law, landowners and crop owners who incur damages from the construction, reconstruction, maintenance, or operation of pipelines are eligible for compensation.52 solely because the damages were apparent at the time of settlement or because more than five years have elapsed since settlement. The bill further authorizes a landowner or crop owner to file an action for relief against a pipeline company in small claims or district court for violations of the damage payment provisions, in addition to existing remedies. The bill authorizes landowners, in addition to county boards of supervisors, to petition the utilities commission for corrective action and to file complaints seeking civil penalties for violations of land restoration requirements. The bill expands the list of compensable losses resulting from pipeline construction, operation, restoration, or subsequent work to include loss or reduced yield as a result of drainage, soil compaction, damage to soil and water conservation structures, and damage to irrigation systems and allows for global positioning system yield monitoring data or similar assessment data to be used for demonstrating any crop deficiency. The bill amends a provision related to interstate natural gas pipelines to make conforming changes for damage claims and available relief actions. The bill amends provisions related to hazardous liquid pipelines and underground storage facilities, including related to damage claims, available relief actions, petitions for corrective action, and compensable losses. The bill takes effect upon enactment.