HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Two state senators are proposing legislation that would implement changes recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the wake of an explosion at a Berks County chocolate factory.

Senators Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton) are proposing three bills that would implement recommendations made by the NTSB.

“On March 24, 2023, a tragic explosion occurred at the R.M. Palmer Company in West Reading,” Schwank said in a co-sponsorship memorandum. “This horrific event sent shockwaves through the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We still feel those effects today as we continue to mourn the seven lives we sadly lost.”

The NTSB released their final report on the explosion this week.

The three bills, if passed, would implement three recommendations:

• (1) to modify the Underground Utility Line Protection Law to require all owners and operators of pipelines transporting steam or other high-temperature materials located in public rights-of-way to register their assets with the Pennsylvania One Call System;
• (2) to clarify that confidential security information disclosure restrictions do not apply to the National Transportation Safety Board when it is conducting an accident investigation; and
• (3) to require the installation of natural gas alarms that meet the specifications of National Fire Protection Association 715 in businesses, residences, and other buildings where people congregate that could be affected by a natural gas leak.

In the final report, investigators say the probable cause was likely a retired plastic natural gas service line and an adjacent steam pipe leak. The retired line was a stub that remained connected to the gas main.