84R9678 DDT-F
 
  By: Keffer H.B. No. 2988
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas to
  adopt certain rules related to ratemaking procedures and to the
  status of previously adopted rules.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 81.01001, Natural Resources Code, is
  amended by adding Subsections (c) and (d) to read as follows:
         (c)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
  commission may not adopt a rule that relates to the commission's
  ratemaking proceedings, including a rule relating to discovery
  limitations, alignment of parties, reimbursement of a
  municipality's reasonable cost of participating in ratemaking
  proceedings, or collection of rate case expenses from ratepayers of
  gas utilities, unless the rule is identical in substance to a rule
  that existed before January 1, 2014. This subsection expires on the
  date stated in Subsection (a) for abolition of the commission.
         (d)  A rule adopted by the commission on or after January 1,
  2014, and before September 1, 2015, that relates to the
  commission's ratemaking proceedings, including a rule relating to
  discovery limitations, alignment of parties, reimbursement of a
  municipality's reasonable cost of participating in ratemaking
  proceedings, or collection of rate case expenses from ratepayers of
  gas utilities, is null and void.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.