Bill to protect public utilities approved

Senators gave final approval April 8 to a bill intended to protect sensitive public utility information.

Under LB230, introduced by Sen. Kate Sullivan of Cedar Rapids, public utility infrastructure specifications or design drawings may be withheld from the public unless otherwise provided by state or federal law if such disclosure will create a substantial likelihood of endangering public safety or property.

The bill also allows a public utility to withhold personally identified private citizen account and customer use information.

LB230 passed on a 43-0 vote.