Substitute House Bill No. 7243 introduces new qualifications for appointees to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and strengthens conflict of interest regulations for utility commissioners. Effective October 1, 2025, the bill requires that newly appointed commissioners possess specific expertise: one must have a background in economics, accounting, forensic auditing, or financial regulation; another must have experience in utility customer advocacy along with public service or administration; and a third must hold a law degree with experience in administrative or utility regulatory law. Additionally, it mandates that at least half of the commissioners must not have prior employment with any entity regulated by PURA, and it disqualifies individuals who are executives of companies that have received notices of violation from PURA or have engaged in litigation with the agency.

The bill also enhances conflict of interest provisions by extending the "cooling off period" for former commissioners from one year to five years, during which they are prohibited from accepting employment with PURA-regulated companies or their lobbyists. It clarifies that a commissioner who has worked in a profession regulated by PURA for one year or more will have a substantial conflict of interest regarding their former employer for five years after leaving that position, requiring them to recuse themselves from related matters. These changes aim to ensure the integrity and impartiality of the regulatory process within PURA.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 1-92, 1-96, 1-101
GAE Joint Favorable Substitute: 16-2
File No. 653: 16-2