The bill amends the Public Regulation Commission Act to clarify the roles of the Public Regulation Commission and its supporting agency. Key insertions include a definition of "agency" as the institution and staff that support the commission, and a specification that the commission consists of a three-member appointed regulatory and adjudicatory body. The bill also updates the language regarding administrative support, indicating that it will now be provided by the agency rather than the commission's staff. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities and powers of both the commission and the agency, including the appointment of a chief of staff and division directors, as well as the establishment of various organizational units within the agency.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the roles and responsibilities of several divisions within the commission, shifting certain functions from mandatory to permissive, which allows for greater operational flexibility. For example, the consumer relations division may now receive and investigate complaints, while the legal division's director requirements are determined by the chief of staff. New provisions regarding communication protocols are also introduced, particularly concerning ex parte communications, to ensure transparency and fairness. The bill mandates annual reporting of service quality complaints from the consumer relations division, enhancing accountability and aiming to streamline operations and improve consumer relations within the commission's framework.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 62-19-2, 62-19-4, 62-19-6, 62-19-8, 62-19-9, 62-19-11, 62-19-12, 62-19-13, 62-19-14, 62-19-15, 62-19-17, 62-19-18, 62-19-20, 62-19-21, 62-19-22, 62-19-23