BILL NUMBER: S2563
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment
to section 4 of article 5 of the constitution, in relation to election
of public service commissioners
 
PURPOSE:
This amendment provides for the election of the Public Service Commis-
sioners as the Legislature shall so prescribe by law. Under the existing
section 4 of Article 5 of the Constitution, the Public Service commis-
sioners are appointed by the Governor. This proposed amendment would
allow the Legislature to establish a Public Service Commission that
meets the needs of the public.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Public confidence in the existing, appointed Public Service Commission
is waning. At a time when confidence in government is tantamount, the
existing Public Service Commission has come under increasing criticism
from both industry and individual citizens. The election of some or all
of the members of the Public Service Commission would serve to restore
public confidence in that body. The Legislature, in having the authority
to provide for their election, would thereby be in a position to bring
the Public Service Commission to its maximum performance.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S1494/ to AG for opinion, 1/28/23 referred to JUDICIARY
2021-22: S3795 JUDICIARY/ to attorney general for opinion
2017-18: S1645/A8714 - JUDICIARY/ to attorney-general for opinion, opin-
ion referred to judiciary
2015-16: S1713/A6921 - Judiciary/ to attorney-general for opinion, opin-
ion referred to judiciary
2013-14: S2002/A5635 - Judiciary/Corporations, Authorities & Commissions
2012: S6295/A7174 - Judiciary/Corporations, Authorities & Commissions
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Resolved (if the Assembly concur), That the foregoing amendment be
referred to the first regular legislative session convening after the
next succeeding general election of members of the assembly, and, in
conformity with section 1 of article 19 of the constitution, be
published for 3 months previous to the time of such election.