Bill Text: HI SB382 | 2017 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To The Public Utilities Commission.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-0)
Status: (Passed) 2017-07-12 - Act 198, on 07/11/2017 (Gov. Msg. No. 1312). [SB382 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2017-SB382-Amended.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
382 |
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TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the public utilities commission's primary purpose is to provide effective, proactive, and informed oversight of all regulated companies to ensure these companies efficiently and safely provide their customers with adequate and reliable services at just and reasonable rates, while providing regulated companies with a fair opportunity to earn a reasonable rate of return. However, the public utilities commission has several long and short term goals that reflect the commission's increased work complexity and program responsibilities, which go beyond the commission's traditional regulatory role, including in the area of energy regulation. Furthermore, with the advent of new and emerging technology, the market, and other forces, the regulatory landscape throughout the country is rapidly changing. However, the commission's current structure and operations have prevented it from quickly adapting to these changes.
The legislature further finds that due to the commission's increasing responsibilities and the evolution of the regulatory landscape, it is essential that the structure and operations of the public utilities commission be updated to enable the commission to operate more efficiently and effectively, consistent with best practices. For example, updating the operations of the commission by adopting best practices ensures that the commission functions in a more inclusive and collaborative manner.
The legislature further finds that the office of the auditor last conducted a management audit on the public utilities commission in 2004. At that time, the auditor's report identified core deficiencies that resulted from a lack of vision and planning. As it has been thirteen years since the last management audit, the legislature concludes that another audit is appropriate. This will ensure that any previously identified issues have been addressed and will also aid in the transition to a more efficient and effective commission.
The purpose of this Act is to require a management audit of the public utilities commission to be conducted to aid in the commission's transition to a better functioning entity.
SECTION 2. (a) The state auditor shall conduct a management audit to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the public utilities commission and aid in the commission's transition to a better functioning entity. The management audit shall include but not be limited to:
(1) Appropriateness and applicability of current utility legislation;
(2) Adequacy of coverage of current public utilities commission policies, rules, and procedures, including the commission's current strategic plan;
(3) Management of the public utilities commission in terms of providing technical and analytical staff support in case management and enforcement of the public utilities commission's rules; and
(4) The effectiveness of the public utilities commission in dealing with telecommunications, energy, and other utility issues.
(b) The auditor shall submit a report to the legislature of findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2018.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
Public Utilities Commission; Audit
Description:
Requires a management audit of the Public Utilities Commission. (SB382 HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
