The bill amends the Public Regulation Commission Act to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the Public Regulation Commission and its supporting agency. It establishes key definitions to differentiate between the "agency," which refers to the institution and staff, and the "commission," the three-member regulatory body. The bill outlines the composition and duties of the Public Regulation Commission Nominating Committee, which will consist of seven members with specific qualifications and will submit nominee lists to the governor based on geographical diversity. Additionally, it introduces continuing education requirements for commissioners, mandates compliance with ethical standards, and outlines prohibited acts to prevent conflicts of interest.

Further amendments focus on the structure and responsibilities of various divisions within the commission, including the establishment of minimum requirements for the directors of the legal and utility divisions, which now must represent public interest in utility matters. The utility division is tasked with balancing public, consumer, and investor interests, and staff are prohibited from engaging in ex parte communications with commissioners or hearing examiners, except under specific conditions. The bill also creates a telecommunications bureau within the utility division to handle disputes and complaints, clarifies procedures for appointing hearing examiners, and ensures transparency in communications related to commission operations. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the operational efficiency and accountability of the Public Regulation Commission.

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
Final 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