This bill amends existing laws to establish stricter attendance requirements for members of the utilities commission during hearings and informational meetings. Specifically, it mandates that all commission members must be present for live testimony at hearings related to public utility regulation, electric transmission lines, and pipelines. If any member is unavailable at any point during the hearing, the meeting must pause and will not resume until all members return. Additionally, the bill stipulates that at least one commission member must attend informational meetings concerning electric transmission line franchises and pipeline permits, with similar pausing requirements if no member is present.

The bill introduces new subsections to sections 476.33, 478.2, 479.5, and 479B.4, emphasizing the necessity of commission member attendance and the protocol for pausing meetings when members are absent. It also establishes new sections (478.34, 479.50, and 479B.34) that reinforce these attendance rules across various types of hearings. Overall, the legislation aims to ensure that commission members are actively engaged in the decision-making process during critical meetings that affect public utilities and landowner rights.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 476.33, 478.2, 6B.2A