In this issue of the Monday Morning Messenger, the Texas Propane Gas Association updates you on the Texas Legislative Session with only exactly a week left.
In our first story of the morning, we update you on two bills we supported in this session, where they are, and what the Texas Supreme Court has to do with the matter.
In case you missed our member alert last week, certification renewals are due to the Railroad Commission. Check out some tips they have shared about renewals for this year.
In our third story of the morning, learn how you can brush up on your cylinder requalification skills in just 2 hours, right in time for Memorial Day fills.
Check our last story of the morning for an educational session hosted by the Texas Propane Gas Association, where U.S. DOT's Pipeline Hazard Safety Administration (PHMSA) will share common violations, they are finding at propane companies in Texas. Find out how you can sign for this informational session.
Check out our Quick Links section for several important reminders and links.
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In this issue
- In Brief
- Liability Protections
- LPG Certification Reminder
- Cylinder Requalification
- U.S. DOT Audit
- Quick Links
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Calendar
May 24-28, 2021
May 29-31, 2021
May 31, 2021
May 31, 2021
May 31, 2021
Sine Die Texas Legislature
May 31, 2021
May 31, 2021
TPGA & RRC
Closed Memorial Day
June 1, 2021
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Trucking Litigation Tort Reform &
Texas Supreme Court Decision
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The Texas Lt. Governor made stopping abusive commercial vehicle litigation a priority item for the 87th Texas Legislative. Last week, the Texas Senate unanimously passed HB 19 with a 31-0 vote.
HB 19 is designed to create uniformity in these civil cases that is fair for both sides, curb commercial lawsuit abuse, prevent some trial lawyers from manipulating evidence in the cases when the defendant was not at fault, or the plaintiff was not injured.
With these changes, advocates for the bill also hope that these liability protections will help curtail increasing commercial vehicle insurance premiums.
The only thing left for HB 19 is for the Texas House to concur with Senate amendments and then it's off to Governor.
Texans for Lawsuit Abuse and the Keep Trucking Coalition had also introduced legislation, SB 207, to further protect the businesses with commercial vehicles from predatory medical expenses from "injured" parties.
However, the Senator sponsors, both doctors, decided to withdraw their pursuit of the Senate medical damage bill due to a recent Texas Supreme Court decision. The decision sets a clear precedent for how trial courts should handle medical damages in personal injury lawsuits.
Senators Dr. Schwertner and Dr. Bonnen believe the recent opinion by Texas' highest court will limit inflated or false medical expenses in commercial vehicle litigation.
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Alternative Fuel Certification Renewals with Commission |
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In case you missed our Member Alert from last week, the Texas Propane Gas Association wants to remind you that don't fret if you do not get your blue cards in the mail, if you renew by May 31, 2021, you can continue to operate past your cards expiration date until your renewal is processed and you receive your new one in the mail.
Renewal Payment. To expedite the issuance of renewals, the Railroad Commission of Texas is encouraging certified individuals to pay online.
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If you pay online, you must also alert the Commission!
The Railroad Commission has set up this email just for certification renewals.
the following:
1) a copy of the renewal fee payment receipt
2) a copy of your certification renewal letter to the
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Brush Up on Cylinder Requalification Skills
in Time for Memorial Day Fills
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According to Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, Memorial Day is the most second most popular grilling holiday of the year.
The Propane Education & Research (PERC) has developed a 90-120 minute course to assist the propane industry in conducting proper cylinder requalification by visual inspections.
Th training covers:
- General Information on DOT Cylinders
- DOT Cylinder Markings & Labeling
- DOT Requalification Requirements
- Overview of the Requalification Process
- How to Perform an Inspection on Different Types of Cylinders
- Disposition of Cylinders After an Inspection
- Visual Inspection Report
- Requalification Recordkeeping
It's FREE. The completed training class will be included on each employee's permanent transcript housed on the PERC Online Learning Center.
How to Take the Course
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Go to PERC's Online Learning Center.
- Register to use the website & login
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Click on Safety & Technical Training
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Click on Cylinder Requalification
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Common U.S. DOT Violations
at Propane Companies
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Join the US Department of Transportation's Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on Thursday, August 12, 2021, from 4:30p - 5:30p at the 2021 Crossroads Propane Conference at the Omni Hotel in Corpus Christi, TX.
Thomas J. Lynch, an U.S. DOT PHMSA Investigator for the Southwest Region will detail what violations investigators are finding at Texas propane facilities during an audit.
Get insight on what you can do to ensure your propane business is in compliance before your next DOT audit.
This informative session is FREE to conference and expo registrants.
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COMPLETE THE PERC SALES
OF PROPANE REPORT SO
DEADLINE IS MAY 31, 2021
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FMCSA/TX DPS
CDL MEDICAL CARD WAIVER ENDING MAY 31, 2021
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SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE DUE SOON!
DON'T MISS THE DEADLINE
OF JUNE 1, 2021
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PROPANE LIVING NEWSLETTER
BULK SHIPMENT REQUESTS & MAILING LISTS
ARE DUE JUNE 1, 2021
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PROPANE SERVICE CORP
SHOP SIGNS, DECALS, BOOKS
& FORMS
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SAIL AWAY WITH US TO THE
TPGA CONVENTION
ON AUGUST 12-14, 2021
CORPUS CHRISTI
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