Connecticut House Bill HB05407

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/23
• Refer: 1/17/23

Caption

An Act Concerning The Filling Of Vacancies On The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

Impact

The introduction of HB 5407 reflects a significant shift in the legislative process surrounding appointments to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. By enabling a joint appointment process, the bill aims to prevent prolonged vacancies that could hinder the authority's ability to operate, thus supporting continuous regulatory oversight of utilities. This change could enhance the responsiveness of the agency to public utility issues and foster a more collaborative governance framework between state leadership and the utility regulatory body.

Summary

House Bill 5407 seeks to amend section 16-2 of the general statutes concerning the filling of vacancies on the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). The bill proposes that if the Governor fails to nominate a utility commissioner within six months of a vacancy, a joint appointment can be made by the speaker of the House of Representatives, the majority and minority leaders of the House, the president pro tempore of the Senate, and the majority and minority leaders of the Senate, with the approval of the General Assembly. This measure is intended to maintain full membership on the utility authority to ensure its effective operation.

Contention

While the bill may be seen as a practical solution to address gaps in governance during periods of vacancy, there could be concerns regarding the concentration of appointment power among legislative leaders. Critics might argue that such a process could lead to politicization of appointments, where decisions are influenced more by political considerations rather than qualifications and expertise. Additionally, stakeholders in the utilities sector and the public may have varying opinions on who should hold appointment power to ensure an impartial regulatory environment.