Georgia House Bill HB446

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/25

Caption

Public Service Commission; discovery rights in proceedings; revise provisions

Impact

If enacted, HB 446 will provide commission employees and agents more robust tools for gathering information necessary for proceedings involving regulated utilities, such as gas companies. With these changes, all parties involved in proceedings, including intervenors, will have improved discovery rights, allowing for a more transparent and efficient regulatory process. This is seen as a way to ensure just and reasonable rates are established while ensuring compliance from utilities.

Summary

House Bill 446 aims to adjust the existing provisions concerning discovery rights in proceedings before the Georgia Public Service Commission. The bill specifically revises Article 3 of Chapter 2 of Title 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. The primary focus is on enhancing the authority of commission employees and agents in taking depositions and obtaining relevant discovery information for investigations, which aligns it more closely with civil action discovery procedures as outlined in Chapter 11 of Title 9.

Contention

There exists potential contention surrounding the bill as it enhances the commission's powers regarding data collection and compliance. Opponents might argue that the expanded discovery powers could lead to excessive regulatory scrutiny and burdens on utility companies. Moreover, the bill's ability to petition the Superior Court of Fulton County for necessary orders related to discovery could raise concerns about judicial involvement in regulatory matters. The balance between effective regulation and the operational autonomy of utilities will likely be a point of debate.