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 "commission," which serves as the regulatory body, and the "agency," which includes the staff and support functions. The bill also details the composition and duties of the Public Regulation Commission Nominating Committee, which will consist of seven members with specific qualifications to ensure geographical diversity among nominees. 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 minimum requirements for directors of the legal and utility divisions, which now require membership in the New Mexico bar and relevant administrative experience. The utility division is empowered to represent the public interest in utility matters, present testimony, and cross-examine witnesses. A new telecommunications bureau is created within the utility division to address disputes and complaints related to telecommunications providers, with a resolution mandate of sixty days. The bill also clarifies communication protocols for hearing examiners and commissioners, emphasizing the prohibition of ex parte communications while ensuring transparency in proceedings. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency within 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