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S 8447

Requires a fiscal note when a bill enacts or amends a law impacting the cost of utility services

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Walczyk

Requires a fiscal note for any bill that enacts or amends laws affecting utility costs, so lawmakers see the financial impact on ratepayers and government budgets before passage.

REFERRED TO RULES
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Bill Summary · S 8447

Summary of S 8447: Requires a Fiscal Note When a Bill Enacts or Amends a Law Impacting the Cost of Utility Services

Overview

  • Bill Number: S 8447
  • Title: Requires a fiscal note when a bill enacts or amends a law impacting the cost of utility services
  • Status: Referred to Rules
  • Introduced: June 25, 2025
  • Sponsor: Mark Walczyk (primary)
  • Related Companion: A 8877 (Assembly)

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill aims to improve fiscal transparency in the legislative process by mandating that a fiscal note accompany any bill that would affect the cost of utility services. A fiscal note is intended to estimate the financial impact of proposed changes on government budgets, ratepayers, and utility providers.

Key Provisions (as stated)

  • Mandatory Fiscal Note: Any bill that enacts or amends a law with implications for the cost of utility services must include a fiscal note.
  • The fiscal note is intended to quantify the expected financial effects arising from altered utility costs, helping legislators assess budgetary and rate impacts prior to enactment.
  • The measure focuses specifically on changes that would influence utility service pricing or overall utility-related expenses for consumers or government entities.

Note: The brief bill text provided does not specify procedural details such as the content format, who prepares the note, timing requirements, or thresholds. The summary reflects the core mandate as described.

Affected Parties

  • Utilities and utility customers: households and businesses that pay for water, electricity, gas, telecommunications, or other utility services, depending on how “utility services” is interpreted in implementation.
  • Government entities: state and local authorities responsible for budgeting and oversight of utility-related programs.
  • Legislators and committees: particularly those evaluating cost impacts during bill deliberations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Current Status: Referred to Rules (as of the introduction date). No further actions listed in the provided information.
  • Legislative Actions to Date:
    • 2025-06-25: REFERRED TO RULES (Senate)
    • 2025-06-25: REFERRED TO RULES (duplicate entry for the Senate action)
  • Companion Bill: A 8877 in the Assembly, indicating parallel consideration in another chamber.

Potential Implications

  • Pros: Improves budgeting discipline and transparency by ensuring that the financial impact of utility-related changes is analyzed before passage; helps lawmakers consider effects on consumers and government finances.
  • Cons/Considerations: Could add to legislative workload and potentially slow bill advancement if fiscal notes require complex analysis; depends on the scope and methodology of the fiscal note process once defined.

Bottom Line

S 8447 seeks to codify the practice of requiring a fiscal note for any legislation that would alter the cost of utility services, with the stated objective of enhancing fiscal scrutiny and informed decision-making. The bill is currently in the Rules stage, with a companion measure in the Assembly (A 8877).

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

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