By Melanie Gutierrez | SFGAte.com
California lawmakers passed a bill Monday aimed at reining in the power of the Public Utilities Commission president and increasing oversight of the embattled agency.
SB48 by Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, would require utilities directors to answer to the full commission, not just the agency’s president, and ensures public records disputes are handled in superior court. The bill, which passed the state Senate 35-0, also requires administrative law judges to adhere to the same ethical standards as those who work for other state agencies. The bill now moves on to the state Assembly for consideration.
Another bill – SB660 – also proposes a suite of reforms at the utilities commission, including creating new rules for exparte communications between the CPUC and the companies it regulates, such as Pacific Gas and Electric Co.
