Public Utilities Act: violations.
The impact of SB 733 is expected to be minimal in terms of practical changes to the enforcement of public utility regulations, as it strictly focuses on clarifying the language rather than altering penalties or provisions fundamentally. The existing penalties for violations remain in force: individuals found guilty can face fines up to $1,000, imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year, or a combination of both. However, this clarity can reduce ambiguity in legal situations, potentially leading to more consistent enforcement.
Senate Bill No. 733, introduced by Senator Morrell, aims to amend Section 2112 of the Public Utilities Code. This section currently states that any individual or agent of a corporation violating any part of the Public Utilities Act or failing to comply with the orders or requirements of the California Public Utilities Commission is guilty of a misdemeanor. The proposed changes are nonsubstantive, meaning they do not alter the existing penalties or definitions but may streamline the language used in the section for clarity. This type of amendment typically seeks to keep the legal text current, avoiding outdated terminology and improving understanding among legal practitioners and the public.
While there does not appear to be significant contention noted in the discussions surrounding SB 733, the nature of legislative updates can sometimes lead to mixed reactions based on concerns over bureaucracy. Some stakeholders may feel that even nonsubstantive changes could set precedents or indicate a shift in how violations are perceived or handled by regulatory bodies. Furthermore, any amendments to the Public Utilities Code might be scrutinized by advocacy groups advocating for consumer rights, ensuring that the interests of the public are still paramount within utility regulations.