Texas House Bill HB911

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the composition of the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would require the governor and lieutenant governor to appoint additional commission members, thereby shifting the structure towards a broader representation in the decision-making body. Specifically, the governor will appoint four commissioners, one of whom must be chosen from a list provided by the Speaker of the House, while the lieutenant governor will appoint one. This diversification in representation could lead to more varied perspectives in regulatory discussions, potentially enhancing the commission's ability to address the interests of a broader constituency in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 911 introduces significant changes to the composition of the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Under the current framework, the commission comprises three members; however, this bill proposes expanding it to five commissioners. The modifications mandated by HB911 are aimed at enhancing the regulatory capacity of the commission by increasing its members, which supporters argue will assist in managing the complexities of the state's utility needs more effectively.

Contention

One notable point of contention around HB911 lies in the method of appointment for the additional commission members, which some critics may argue could lead to political appointments rather than qualified selections. This scrutiny is particularly relevant in discussions surrounding regulatory independence, where opponents might voice concerns that expanded political influence could dilute the effectiveness and impartiality of the commission's essential functions. Such debates reflect the ongoing tensions between governance structure and the need for specialized oversight in utility regulation.