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Bill

Bill

A 836

Relates to utility intervenor reimbursement

2025 Regular Session Introduced by William Colton and 15 co-sponsors

Bill A 836 allows public interest representatives in utility proceedings to recover costs, boosting participation and ensuring consumer interests are better represented.

REFERRED TO RULES
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Bill Summary · A 836

Summary of Bill A 836: Utility Intervenor Reimbursement

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 836 aims to establish a framework for the reimbursement of intervenors in utility proceedings. Intervenors are individuals or organizations that participate in regulatory processes to represent public interests, particularly in matters concerning utility rates and services. The bill seeks to ensure that these participants can recover reasonable costs incurred during their involvement, thereby promoting greater public engagement and oversight in utility regulation.

Key Provisions

  • Reimbursement Mechanism: The bill outlines a process for intervenors to apply for reimbursement of costs associated with their participation in utility proceedings. This includes expenses for expert witnesses, legal fees, and other related costs.

  • Eligibility Criteria: The bill specifies the criteria that intervenors must meet to qualify for reimbursement. This may include demonstrating that their participation provided significant value to the regulatory process or that they represent a substantial public interest.

  • Funding Sources: The legislation may identify specific funding sources or mechanisms to cover the reimbursement costs, ensuring that the financial burden does not fall solely on utility companies or consumers.

  • Regulatory Oversight: The bill mandates that the relevant regulatory authority will oversee the reimbursement process, ensuring transparency and fairness in the allocation of funds.

Affected Parties

  • Intervenors: Individuals and organizations that participate in utility regulatory proceedings will benefit from the reimbursement provisions, enabling broader participation from diverse stakeholders.

  • Utility Companies: Utility providers may face increased scrutiny and engagement from intervenors, potentially impacting their regulatory processes and decisions.

  • Consumers: The bill aims to enhance consumer representation in utility matters, which could lead to more equitable utility rates and services.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 08, 2025
  • Assembly Actions:
    • Passed Assembly: June 10, 2025
    • Delivered to Senate: June 10, 2025
    • Referred to Rules: June 10, 2025
  • Prior Actions:
    • The bill has undergone multiple reports and referrals through various committees, including Energy, Codes, and Ways and Means, indicating a thorough review process.

Related Legislation

Bill A 836 is part of a broader legislative context, with several related bills from prior sessions, including:
- A 860
- A 1247
- A 27
- A 8722
- A 3462
- A 17
- A 145
- A 873
- A 8611
- A 7165
- S 2477 (companion bill)

These related bills may address similar issues or provide additional context for the ongoing discussions surrounding utility regulation and public participation.

Conclusion

Bill A 836 represents a significant step towards enhancing public involvement in utility regulation by providing a structured reimbursement process for intervenors. By facilitating greater participation, the bill aims to ensure that consumer interests are adequately represented in utility proceedings, ultimately leading to more informed regulatory decisions.

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

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