Senate advances bill continuing Public Utilities Commission with clarifications on appointments and in‑person meetings

The Senate adopted House Bill 1326 on second reading after discussion about statutory wording on commissioner appointments and meeting practices.

The title was read by the clerk as a continuation of the Public Utilities Commission and implementation of Department of Regulatory Agencies’ sunset recommendations. Sponsors said the bill preserves the PUC and implements negotiated changes: finance committee amendments inserted provisions on third‑party contracting and removed some PUC control from local government domains.

Senator Kirk Meyer questioned language in the fiscal note and the bill that appeared to require the governor to "consider individuals who are knowledgeable of the industries that the PUC regulates," asking, "So was that not what he was supposed to be doing for the last seven years?" Senator Cutter and other sponsors said the provision mainly clarifies stakeholder expectations, that the requirement reflects stakeholder requests and that some operational items will require future rulemaking. Senators also discussed in‑person attendance requirements for quasi‑judicial hearings and whether all commissioners must attend in person for certain meetings; sponsors said the bill anticipates future rulemaking to formalize that practice.

Committee reports and adopted amendments were recorded; the finance and appropriations recommendations were adopted and HB1326 was placed on the calendar for third reading/final passage.