Pennsylvania House Bill HB2336

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/10/24
• Refer: 4/10/24
• Refer: 6/25/24
• Report Pass: 6/27/24
• Refer: 6/27/24

Caption

Making appropriations from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund and from Federal augmentation funds to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2336 will ensure the continued operation and administration of the PUC through the designated financial support, which is crucial for enforcing regulations such as the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act. This act is especially pertinent, as it allows for essential oversight in maintaining safety standards within the natural gas sector, thus enhancing public safety and service reliability. The bill's appropriations are intended to facilitate not only operational needs but also better compliance and enforcement of safety regulations within the energy sector.

Summary

House Bill 2336 is focused on appropriating funds from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund, alongside federal augmentation funds, to support the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) for the upcoming fiscal year, spanning from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The bill specifies the allocation of these funds for various operational expenses, including the salaries and wages of PUC employees, functioning to ensure that the commission can adequately manage its responsibilities in regulating and overseeing public utilities within the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 2336 appears to be generally supportive, as it facilitates the operational capabilities of an essential governmental body responsible for public utility regulation. The bill's backing from legislative bodies highlights a consensus on the importance of adequately funding the PUC, which is seen as a proactive step toward ensuring both regulatory efficiency and public safety. However, there may be ongoing discussions concerning the balance between state funding and reliance on federal augmentation, which could evoke differing opinions among legislators.

Contention

While there are no immediate points of contention noted in the available documents, potential discussions could arise around the adequacy of the appropriated amounts, the reliance on federal funds, and how these allocations align with broader fiscal strategies for the state. As the bill progresses, concerns related to budgetary impacts on other sectors could also surface, particularly in times of fiscal constraint, warranting ongoing legislative scrutiny to ensure the most effective use of public resources in utility management.