Modifies provisions relating to civil penalties for violations of federally mandated natural gas safety standards

HB 1034 aligns state civil penalties for natural gas safety violations with federal standards, directly affecting gas plant owners (including utilities and municipalities). It sets maximum fines at federal levels (currently $15,000 per violation, rising to $40,000 by 2040) and requires regulators to consider factors like culpability, prior violations, and the entity’s ability to pay when determining penalties. The bill ensures each violation or daily continuation of a violation is treated as a separate offense, holding the owning entity accountable for employee actions. It overrides previous state penalty limits but remains subject to federal rules under 49 CFR Part 190.223.