This bill proposes several updates to current statutes regarding campaign contributions and the use of ratepayer funds by public service corporations and public power entities. Under the new provisions, public service corporations regulated by the corporation commission and their affiliates would be prohibited from making contributions to political action committees that support or oppose candidates for the corporation commission, as well as to certain tax-exempt organizations that influence election outcomes. Additionally, the bill specifies a comprehensive list of expenditures that these entities cannot fund with ratepayer money, including charitable contributions, advertising, and compensation related to political activities.
Furthermore, the bill introduces restrictions on lobbying expenditures, stating that public service corporations and public power entities may not use ratepayer funds for lobbying the legislature. It also mandates that entities subject to these restrictions file reports detailing the sources of any funds used for lobbying activities. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the financial practices of public service corporations and their interactions with political processes.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 16-916, 40-363, 41-1232.09, 30-801