Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1009

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/25/24
• Refer: 3/25/24
• Refer: 5/8/24
• Report Pass: 6/24/24
• Engrossed: 6/25/24
• Refer: 6/26/24
• Refer: 6/27/24
• Report Pass: 7/9/24
• Refer: 7/9/24
• Report Pass: 7/10/24
• Refer: 7/11/24
• Report Pass: 7/11/24
• Enrolled: 7/11/24
• Chaptered: 7/11/24
• Passed: 7/11/24

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

The financial support provided through SB1009 is crucial for the PUC as it handles various vital functions, such as ensuring safe utility operations and enforcing regulations specific to natural gas pipelines and motor carrier safety. By securing these funds, the bill is designed to enable the PUC to maintain its operational capacity and continue its oversight responsibilities, which are integral to the overall infrastructure and public service safety in Pennsylvania. The provisions include a specific allocation for federal programs emphasizing pipeline safety and transmission siting, reinforcing the state’s commitment to regulatory compliance in energy and transportation sectors.

Summary

Senate Bill 1009 is a piece of legislation that focuses on the allocation of funds to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025. The bill appropriates a total of approximately $88.4 million from the restricted revenue account within the General Fund and additional federal augmentation funds. The funds are intended to support the operational and administrative expenses of the PUC, including salaries for its commissioners and necessary enforcement activities related to public utility regulations.

Sentiment

The legislative sentiment surrounding SB1009 appears largely favorable, as evidenced by its significant support during voting, manifesting in a nearly unanimous approval on the Senate floor, with only one dissenting vote recorded. Proponents underscore the importance of adequately funding the PUC to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness, reflecting a collective acknowledgment of the commission's role in protecting public interest through its regulatory functions. The absence of strong opposition suggests a consensus on the necessity of the appropriations outlined in the bill, but there may be underlying concerns regarding the long-term fiscal health of the state and how it allocates resources to utility regulation.

Contention

Notable points of contention or concern surrounding SB1009 might arise from the broader implications of its funding mechanisms and the potential for future budgetary pressures on the state’s fiscal outlook. While the bill ensures immediate funding for the PUC, critics could question the sustainability of such appropriations in the face of changing federal and state economic conditions. Additionally, the retrospective application of the act raises questions about how past actions of the PUC might be affected by this legislation. It is crucial for stakeholders to continuously examine how these funding patterns impact the commission’s ability to respond to emerging safety challenges in public utilities and infrastructure.