LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
200 W. Washington St., Suite 301
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 233-0696
iga.in.gov
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 6508 NOTE PREPARED: Dec 29, 2023
BILL NUMBER: SB 218 BILL AMENDED:
SUBJECT: Election of Two IURC Members.
FIRST AUTHOR: Sen. Ford J.D. BILL STATUS: As Introduced
FIRST SPONSOR:
FUNDS AFFECTED: GENERAL IMPACT: State & Local
XDEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: Increased Membership of IURC– The bill increases the membership of the Indiana
Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) from five members to seven members.
Election of IURC Members– The bill requires the two new IURC members to be elected on a nonpartisan
basis starting in the 2028 general election. The bill prohibits a candidate for the office of the IURC from: (1)
having an official or professional relationship or connection with; or (2) soliciting or accepting campaign
contributions from; any public utility operating in Indiana. The bill provides that the elected IURC members
shall serve a term of four years and establishes a procedure to appoint a member if there is a vacancy of an
elected member. The bill requires references to the IURC members to appoint a chair to the IURC annually.
The bill changes "chairman" to "chair". The bill makes conforming changes.
Effective Date: July 1, 2024.
Explanation of State Expenditures: Increased Membership of IURC– This provision would increase state
dedicated fund expenditures by approximately $200,000 in FY 2029 and $410,000 in FY 2030 for the
salaries, fringes, and other miscellaneous costs for two additional Commissioners. The estimate is based on
the current salary of the four existing non-chair Commissioners.
Election of IURC Members– the Election Division would likely need to revise publications to add the elected
Commissioners. Any campaign forms from Commissioner candidates would be handled by the Division.
Although, there would be a workload increase to implement this provision, it is likely the Division would
be able to take on the additional workload with existing staff and resource levels.
SB 218 1 Explanation of State Revenues:
Explanation of Local Expenditures: Election of IURC Members– County election boards would have a
minor increase in ballot cost to include the IURC elected commissioners on the general election ballot. It is
likely this addition would be negotiated into ballot preparation costs with each county’s elections equipment
vendor.
Explanation of Local Revenues:
State Agencies Affected: IURC; Election Division.
Local Agencies Affected: County election boards.
Information Sources: State Salary Database.
Fiscal Analyst: Chris Baker, 317-232-9851.
SB 218 2