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Bill

S 1847

Association Health Plans Act

119th Congress Introduced by Jim Banks and 6 co-sponsors

Bill S 1847 requires the public service commission to assess the economic impact of utility rates, promoting fair pricing for consumers and businesses.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 1847

Summary of Bill S 1847

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: S 1847
  • Title: Requires the public service commission to consider the economic impact of utility rates and charges
  • Status: Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
  • Introduced On: January 14, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 1847 aims to ensure that the public service commission (PSC) takes into account the economic implications of utility rates and charges when making decisions. The intent is to promote fairness and transparency in how utility costs affect consumers and businesses, ultimately leading to more equitable pricing structures.

Key Provisions

  • Economic Impact Assessment: The bill mandates that the PSC must evaluate the economic impact of proposed utility rates and charges before approval. This includes analyzing how changes in rates could affect consumers, businesses, and the overall economy.
  • Reporting Requirements: The PSC will be required to produce reports detailing the economic assessments conducted, which will be made available to the public to enhance transparency.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: The bill encourages the PSC to engage with stakeholders, including consumer advocacy groups and business representatives, to gather input on the potential impacts of rate changes.

Affected Parties

  • Consumers: Residential and commercial utility customers will be directly affected as the bill seeks to ensure that rate changes are justified and consider their economic well-being.
  • Utility Companies: Utility providers will need to prepare for additional scrutiny and reporting requirements related to their proposed rates.
  • Public Service Commission: The PSC will have new responsibilities and processes to implement, which may require adjustments in their operational procedures.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 14, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Energy and Telecommunications Committee.
  • January 21, 2025: Reported and committed to rules for further consideration.
  • January 27, 2025:
    • Ordered to third reading and placed on the calendar.
    • Passed in the Senate.
    • Delivered to the Assembly and referred to the Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee.

Related Legislation

Bill S 1847 is related to several prior-session bills, including:
- A 2048
- A 1468
- A 24
- A 712
- A 7714
- A 2400 (companion bill)
- A 126
- S 5341
- S 5583
- S 2432

These related bills may address similar issues or provide context for the current legislative efforts regarding utility rates and economic impacts.

Conclusion

Bill S 1847 represents a significant step towards ensuring that utility rate changes are evaluated not only for their operational feasibility but also for their economic impact on consumers and businesses. By requiring the PSC to consider these factors, the bill aims to foster a more equitable utility pricing environment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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