Creates provisions relating to the regulation of public utilities

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Boyko

The bill requires the PSC to set just and reasonable rates prioritizing affordability and to hold local, notice-based public hearings with open testimony and documented influence o

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

#publicservicecommission #utilities

Main purpose and intent

The bill seeks to regulate how the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) conducts ratemaking and public hearings for public utilities.

Its core aims are to ensure that all rate decisions are “just and reasonable” and to protect customers by avoiding rate increases that unduly burden affordability.

It also adds procedural requirements for public hearings to give utility customers closer access to participate and to have their input reflected in the record and final order.

Key provisions and changes

1) Ratemaking standard (new Section 386.381)

All PSC ratemaking determinations must be:

Just and reasonable.
Based on a finding that any change in a utility rate will not be unduly burdensome to the current affordability of utility services to customers.

“Just and reasonable” is defined as resulting in the lowest possible ratepayer impact necessary for the utility to provide safe and adequate service.

This effectively requires affordability considerations to be front-and-center in evaluating rate changes.

2) Public hearing requirements for general rate proceedings (new Section 386.620)

For public hearings in general rate proceedings where evidentiary testimony from the public is received, the PSC must:

Hold at least one local public hearing reasonably close to the residence of each utility customer in the utility’s service area.
Mail notice of the local hearing to each utility customer at their physical address by first-class mail at least 14 days before the hearing.
Allow affected ratepayers to testify and to file statements regarding the subject matter.
Include in the evidentiary record any testimony or statements filed by the public.
Provide a reasonable amount of time for each member of the public to testify at the hearing.
Include in the final order findings describing how public testimony and comments influenced the commission’s decision.

Who/what is affected

Affected entity: Utilities regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission and their customers.

Affected process: The PSC’s ratemaking determinations and the public hearing process for general rate proceedings.

Beneficiaries: Utility customers, who gain enhanced access to local, timely public hearings and stronger consideration of affordability in rate decisions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Effective date and process: The provisions would apply to PSC ratemaking determinations and public hearings in general rate proceedings once enacted.

Local hearings: Requires at least one local hearing per service area, near customers’ residences.

Notice and participation: Requires 14-day advance, first-class mailed notice and public testimony opportunities, with testimony becoming part of the evidentiary record.

Final orders: Must include explicit findings connecting public input to the commission’s final decision.

Additional notes

Sponsor: Representative Mark Boyko (primary); HB 3436 is described as similar to SB 1712 (2026).

House action history indicates introduction in February 2026 and referral to Emerging Issues (H) in May 2026.

The bill emphasizes affordability safeguards in utility rate design and strengthens public participation at the local level.

If you’d like, I can compare these provisions to current Missouri law or provide a short FAQ-style briefing for stakeholders.

Bill