MI
Michigan Senate Bill SB0296

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan Senate Bill SB0296

Introduced
4/26/23  

Caption

Public utilities: other; certain money spent by electric or natural gas utilities; require to be reported to the public service commission. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 6aa.

Impact

The enactment of SB 296 represents a significant change in transparency requirements for utility companies in Michigan. By compelling these entities to report their political engagement, the legislation aims to enhance public awareness of the influence that utility corporations can exert on the political process. This increased transparency is intended not only to inform the public but also to foster accountability among utilities regarding their political spending and lobbying activities.

Summary

Senate Bill 296 aims to amend the existing legislative framework governing public utilities in Michigan, specifically by adding a new section (6aa) to the 1939 PA 3. This bill mandates that electric and natural gas utilities file annual reports with the Public Service Commission detailing contributions and expenditures related to political activities and lobbying efforts. The requirement includes disclosing contributions to political committees as well as any financial support provided to specific organizations acting as political action committees or lobbyists.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked discussion regarding the balance between corporate political participation and the need for transparency in governance. Proponents argue that requiring utilities to disclose their contributions and lobbying expenditures is vital for promoting integrity and public trust in the regulatory process. Conversely, critics might express concerns about the potential chilling effect on political engagement by these companies, arguing that stringent reporting requirements could discourage them from participating in political discourse.

Additional_notes

Furthermore, the bill aligns with broader legislative trends aimed at regulating the intersection of business and politics. If passed, it would not only amend existing regulations but potentially set a precedent for future legislation focusing on corporate transparency across various sectors.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MI HB5521

Public utilities: other; use of revenues as donation to a 501(c)(4) that engages in campaign or lobbying activities; prohibit. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 6aa.

MI HB4381

Public utilities: other; use of revenues as donation to a 501(c)(4) that engages in campaign or lobbying activities; prohibit. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 6bb. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4381'25

MI SB0272

Public utilities: public service commission; regulation of utilities by the public service commission; modify. Amends sec. 6t of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.6t).

MI SB0325

Public utilities: public service commission; certain provisions regarding rate cases and integrated resource plans; eliminate. Amends secs. 6a, 6m & 6t of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.6a et seq.); adds sec. 6x & repeals sec. 6aa of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.6aa).

MI HB4706

Public utilities: public service commission; electric vehicle charging station operators; exempt from certain public utility requirements. Amends title & secs. 10g, 10h & 10q of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.10g et seq.).

MI HB4760

Public utilities: public service commission; public service commission mandate and factors for decision making; revise. Amends secs. 6, 6a, 6m, 6t & 11 of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.6 et seq.) & adds sec. 6aa. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4759'23, HB 4761'23

MI SB0502

Public utilities: public service commission; certain provisions regarding rate cases and integrated resource plans; revise. Amends secs. 6a, 6m & 6t of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.6a et seq.) & adds sec. 6aa. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0271'23, SB 0273'23

MI SB0276

Public utilities: electric utilities; phaseout of certain coal-fired electricity-generating plants; provide for by 2030. Amends sec. 6t of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.6t).

MI SB0297

Public utilities: public service commission; election of members to the Michigan public service commission; provide for. Amends secs. 1 & 2 of 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 & 460.2). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0298'23

MI SB0369

Public utilities: public service commission; calculation of costs of renewable energy; provide for. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 6y.

Similar Bills

MI HB5521

Public utilities: other; use of revenues as donation to a 501(c)(4) that engages in campaign or lobbying activities; prohibit. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 6aa.

MI HB4381

Public utilities: other; use of revenues as donation to a 501(c)(4) that engages in campaign or lobbying activities; prohibit. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 6bb. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4381'25

MI HB4272

Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for campaign finance violations; provide for. Amends sec. 11e, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.11e). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4271'25

MI HB5142

Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; sentencing guidelines for campaign finance violations; modify. Amends sec. 11e, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.11e). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5141'23

MI HB4589

Labor: public service employment; bargaining representative's use of dues or fees for a political purpose; prohibit unless authorized by the public employee. Amends 1947 PA 336 (MCL 423.201 - 423.217) by adding sec. 10a.

MI HB4588

Labor: organizations; labor organization's use of dues or fees for a political purpose; prohibit unless authorized by the employee. Amends 1939 PA 176 (MCL 423.1 - 423.30) by adding sec. 8a.

MI SB0616

Campaign finance: committees; prohibition on certain candidate committee expenditures and disbursements; create exception. Amends sec. 44 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.244). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0613'23, SB 0614'23, SB 0615'23

MI SB0615

Campaign finance: committees; prohibition on certain candidate committee expenditures and disbursements; create exception. Amends 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.201 - 169.282) by adding sec. 44a. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0613'23, SB 0616'23, SB 0614'23