Bill Text: TX HB4239 | 2021-2022 | 87th Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to the organization and duties of the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-03-29 - Referred to State Affairs [HB4239 Detail]

Download: Texas-2021-HB4239-Introduced.html

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87R12265 CXP-D
By: Raymond H.B. No. 4239

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the organization and duties of the Public Utility
Commission of Texas.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 12.051(c), Utilities Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(c) Commissioners serve staggered, two-year [six-year]
terms.
SECTION 2. Section 12.053(a), Utilities Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(a) To be eligible for appointment, a commissioner must:
(1) be a qualified voter;
(2) be a citizen of the United States;
(3) be a resident of this state;
(4) be a competent and experienced administrator;
(5) [(4)] be well informed and qualified in the field
of public utilities and utility regulation; and
(6) [(5)] have at least five years of experience in
the administration of business or government or as a practicing
attorney or certified public accountant.
SECTION 3. Section 12.203, Utilities Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 12.203. ANNUAL [BIENNIAL] REPORT. Not later than
January 15 of each [odd-numbered] year, the commission shall
prepare a written report that includes suggestions regarding
modification and improvement of the commission's statutory
authority and for the improvement of utility regulation in general
that the commission considers appropriate for protecting and
furthering the interest of the public.
SECTION 4. The governor shall promptly appoint three
commissioners to the Public Utility Commission of Texas in
accordance with Section 12.051, Utilities Code, as amended by this
Act. Notwithstanding Section 12.051(c), Utilities Code, in making
the initial appointments under that section, the governor shall
designate one commissioner to a term expiring September 1, 2022,
and two commissioners to a term expiring September 1, 2023. A
person who is serving as a commissioner of the Public Utility
Commission of Texas immediately before the effective date of this
Act may continue to serve until the person's successor is appointed
and qualifies to serve.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.