The proposed bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability for public utilities in Arkansas by requiring certain utilities to report their financial activities to the Legislative Council. The General Assembly recognizes the economic challenges faced by residents due to rising utility costs and emphasizes the need for public utilities to manage ratepayer funds responsibly. The bill includes legislative findings that highlight the increasing rates for electricity and natural gas, as well as the necessity for utilities to operate transparently under the Freedom of Information Act.

To implement these goals, the bill introduces a new subchapter in the Arkansas Code that mandates public utilities with over 3,000 ratepayers to submit annual reports detailing various expenses. These reports must include costs related to political influence activities, advertising, charitable contributions, and employee compensation, among others. The bill specifies the information that must be included in these reports, such as itemized expenses, employee job titles, and the nature of their work related to the reported activities. This comprehensive reporting requirement is designed to ensure that public utilities are held accountable for their spending and that ratepayers are informed about how their funds are utilized.