Public Utility Commission - As introduced, authorizes the commission to electronically provide to the general assembly its annual report of all matters relating to the commissioner's office for the preceding year, including practical workings of companies under its jurisdiction in this state and an abstract of the minutes of all of the commission's meetings. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 12; Title 13; Title 54; Title 64; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 69.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Brent Taylor

Allows the PUC to deliver its annual report and meeting-minute abstracts to the General Assembly electronically, without changing content or deadlines.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Commerce and Labor Committee

#publicutilitycommission

Purpose and Intent

The bill amends multiple titles in the Tennessee Code Annotated to address how the Public Utility Commission (PUC) reports to the General Assembly.

Core aim: Allow the PUC to provide its annual report and related materials to the General Assembly electronically, without altering existing substantive duties or timelines.

Key Provisions

Electronic Reporting Authorization

Adds language to Tennessee Code Annotated § 65-1-111 clarifying that the PUC’s annual report to the General Assembly may be provided electronically.
The annual report covers “all matters relating to the commissioner’s office for the preceding year,” including practical workings of companies under the PUC’s jurisdiction in Tennessee.
The report also may include “an abstract of the minutes of all of the commission’s meetings.”

Scope and Structure

The bill does not create new reporting content beyond what already exists in the annual report; it simply authorizes electronic delivery of the report and minutes abstract.

Effective Date

The act takes effect upon becoming law, contingent on public welfare requiring it.

Affected Entities

Public Utility Commission (PUC)

The primary agency impacted; the change affects how it delivers its annual report and meeting minutes to the General Assembly.

General Assembly

Receives the PUC’s annual report and meeting minutes (now potentially via electronic delivery).

Utilities/Companies under PUC Jurisdiction

Indirectly affected because the report includes the practical workings of these companies; content and scope of reporting remain consistent with current law.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

Legislative Action History

Introduced in early 2026; assigned to the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee; multiple scheduling actions with standard committee deferrals.
Passed in stages through legislative process prior to final consideration (as of the latest action: assigned to General Subcommittee on 2026-04-07; bill history shows prior readings and referrals).

Fiscal Impact

Fiscal note: Not significant.
No anticipated material cost or operational impact on state or local governments beyond current reporting practices.

Practical Impact

The bill clarifies and formalizes the use of electronic delivery for the PUC’s annual report and meeting-minutes abstracts.

It maintains the substantive reporting requirements and does not alter content, timing, or accessibility beyond permitting electronic transmission.

This change can improve accessibility and timeliness of information for lawmakers while preserving existing statutory duties.

Sponsor and Support

Primary Sponsor: Vaughan (House sponsor)

Senate Sponsor: Brent Taylor (Co-sponsor)

The companion bill is SB 2059 in the Senate; the House version appears as HB 2593.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the current statute to highlight exactly where the electronic delivery authorization integrates.

Bill