Commerce and Labor Committee certifies two incumbent commissioners to state panels

The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on Tuesday certified two incumbent commissioners to six-year terms on state regulatory panels after brief presentations and voice votes.

Commissioner Robert A. Rapoport told the committee his office has shortened the time to obtain medical approvals through a "petition for medical treatment," cutting approvals that once took months to roughly six days, and has created an ombuds office to assist uninsured or unrepresented claimants and employers. Rapoport also described upgrades to the medical fee schedule, a medical-fee calculator, and expanded alternative dispute resolution capacity, saying the commission added four mediators to accelerate settlements. "It's going very well despite me, your honor," Rapoport said while summarizing the agency's work.

Shortly after, the committee moved and approved Rapoport's recommitment to the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission.

The panel then heard from the current State Corporation Commission (SCC) commissioner introduced by the chair as "Jamelle Hudson" and who self-identified in his remarks as "Jamal Hudson." Hudson said the SCC recently adopted a special high-load rate class intended to address the surge in electricity demand from large users, notably data centers, and emphasized a record- and evidence-based approach to regulation. "My objective is to fully and faithfully carry out the duties prescribed by the Virginia Constitution and the laws enacted by the Virginia General Assembly," Hudson said as he requested the committee's recommendation for a second term.

Committee members asked whether the new rate class covers other large energy users such as manufacturers; Hudson said the GS-5 class is focused on very large loads and does not automatically include industrials or manufacturers that do not meet the class's threshold. He also told senators the commission has the authority to examine demand-flex options and has convened technical conferences on the topic.

A motion to certify Hudson was made and approved by voice vote.

The chair reminded members that committee packets about the nominees are confidential and asked members to leave them at the desk for collection by staff. The committee adjourned after the SCC presentation and subsequent questions.

What happened next: The committee completed its agenda without hearing new bills because the governor was scheduled to speak at 4:00 p.m.