This bill amends the existing law governing public and private utilities in Michigan, specifically focusing on the reporting requirements for electric and natural gas utilities. It introduces a new section, Sec. 6bb, which mandates that these utilities file an annual report with the commission detailing their contributions to a separate segregated fund, as well as itemized lists of contributions and expenditures made to various political entities, including candidate committees, political party committees, and independent expenditure committees. Additionally, the report must include any financial contributions to organizations under specific sections of the Internal Revenue Code, expenditures on lobbying, and any relevant contributions or expenditures made by the utility's parent company or affiliates.

The bill also requires the commission to post these reports on its website, enhancing transparency regarding the financial activities of utilities in relation to political funding. The definitions of key terms such as "candidate committee," "political committee," and "lobbying" are aligned with existing definitions in the Michigan campaign finance act, ensuring consistency in the application of the law. Overall, this legislation aims to increase accountability and transparency in the political contributions of utility companies in Michigan.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 460.1, 460.11