COMMITTEE REPORT

February 20, 2020

H. 4776

Introduced by Reps. Tallon, Allison, Hyde, Taylor, Brawley, McCravy and Toole

S. Printed 2/20/20--H.

Read the first time January 14, 2020.

            

THE COMMITTEE ON

LABOR, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

To whom was referred a Bill (H. 4776) to amend Section 58-3-280, Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, relating to restrictions on former Public Service Commission members being employed by public utilities, etc., respectfully

REPORT:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass with amendment:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/    SECTION    1.    Section 58-3-280 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 58-3-280.    A commissioner must not be employed or retained by a public utility for a period of at least one year following his service as a commissioner. A commissioner shall not appear before the commission in any proceeding by representing any party in a proceeding for any purposes for a period of at least four years following his service as a commissioner. A commission employee shall not appear before the commission in any proceeding by representing any party in a proceeding for any purposes for a period of at least one year following his service as a commission employee. A person who violates this provision is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or be imprisoned for not more than one year, or both."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.        /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

WILLIAM E. SANDIFER III for Committee.

            

A BILL

TO AMEND SECTION 58-3-280, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS ON FORMER PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION MEMBERS BEING EMPLOYED BY PUBLIC UTILITIES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE RESTRICTION PERIOD FROM ONE YEAR TO THREE YEARS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Section 58-3-280 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 58-3-280.    A commissioner must not be employed or retained by a public utility for a period of at least one year three years following his service as a commissioner. A person who violates this provision is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or be imprisoned for not more than one year, or both."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.