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

HB 230 updates civil penalties for violations of natural gas safety standards by aligning maximum fines with federal guidelines set by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation under 49 CFR Part 190.223, replacing previous state-set limits. It directly affects gas plant operators - including corporations, public utilities, and municipalities - by requiring penalties to match federal standards rather than fixed dollar amounts. Key provisions include considering factors like violation severity, prior history, and the entity’s ability to pay when determining fines, while treating each violation as a separate offense. The bill ensures penalties for ongoing violations also follow federal scales, without specifying future dollar increases.