Connecticut Senate Bill SB00200

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Concerning Term Limits For Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Commissioners.

Impact

The introduction of term limits is expected to lead to more frequent turnover among the commissioners of PURA, which could refresh perspectives and approaches in regulatory decisions. Proponents of the bill argue that term limits will foster greater accountability, as new commissioners may bring different viewpoints and may be more sensitive to the evolving needs of consumers and the energy market. This change is envisioned as a way to enhance public trust in regulatory decisions by ensuring that commissioners are not serving indefinitely and potentially consolidating power among a small number of individuals.

Summary

SB00200, known as An Act Concerning Term Limits for Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Commissioners, aims to establish a set limit on the number of consecutive terms that commissioners of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) can serve. The bill proposes that no commissioner should be allowed to serve more than two consecutive four-year terms. This legislative initiative seeks to ensure that the leadership within the public utilities regulatory body remains dynamic and accountable to the public by preventing the indefinite tenure of commissioners.

Contention

There are notable points of contention associated with SB00200. Supporters believe that enforcing term limits will prevent stagnation and promote greater diversity in the regulatory framework, while opponents could argue that the loss of experienced commissioners may hinder the efficiency and effectiveness of the regulatory authority. They may assert that institutional knowledge is essential for navigating the complexities of public utility regulations, and sudden changes in leadership could result in a loss of continuity in regulatory oversight. The balance between maintaining experience and encouraging fresh perspectives continues to be a key debate surrounding this bill.