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SB 1119

STATE GOVERNMENT-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by John Curran

Defines RUCO's mandate as representing residential customers by pushing for the safest, most reliable service at the lowest possible retail electric rate.

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1119

Summary — SB 1119 (as provided)

Note up front: the supplied document appears to combine text from multiple different bills (Arizona, Hawaii, and Illinois) all labeled “SB 1119.” This summary focuses on the Arizona bill content that is most clearly presented: an amendment to Arizona Revised Statutes §40‑461 (Residential Utility Consumer Office definitions). If you need the Hawaii or Illinois materials summarized separately, tell me and I will prepare separate summaries.

Purpose and intent

The Arizona portion of SB 1119 proposes a targeted change to the statutory definitions governing the Residential Utility Consumer Office (RUCO). It clarifies what it means for the Office to “represent the interests of” utility consumers by defining that phrase in terms of advocating “for the safest and most reliable utility service achievable at the lowest retail (electric) rate possible.” The change is meant to narrow and make explicit RUCO’s advocacy standard when participating in utility regulatory proceedings.

Key provision(s)

  • Amends Arizona Revised Statutes §40‑461 (Definitions), adding or replacing the statutory definition for the phrase:
    • “REPRESENT THE INTERESTS OF” — defined as: advocating for the safest and most reliable utility service achievable at the lowest retail rate possible.
  • The introduced version of the bill (alternative text included) uses slightly different wording: “lowest retail electric rate possible,” indicating an explicit focus on retail electric rates in one draft.

Who or what is affected

  • Residential Utility Consumer Office (RUCO): The statutory mission and advocacy standard for RUCO would be more explicitly constrained / directed by statute.
  • Utilities (especially electric utilities): RUCO’s positions in rate cases, service reliability proceedings, and rulemakings could shift depending on how the new definition is interpreted—potentially increasing pressure to minimize retail rates even where tradeoffs exist.
  • Arizona Corporation Commission and rate-setting proceedings: Parties and regulators would have a clarified statutory standard to consider when weighing consumer advocacy versus reliability and safety investments.
  • Ratepayers and public interest stakeholders: The definition may alter the balance of arguments presented on behalf of residential ratepayers in regulatory matters—emphasizing rate minimization subject to safety and reliability goals.

Potential impacts and tradeoffs

  • Clarifies RUCO’s statutory mandate, which could reduce ambiguity in the Office’s advocacy positions.
  • By coupling “safest and most reliable” with “lowest retail rate possible,” the change introduces a prioritization that may influence outcomes in prudency reviews, capital investments, and grid modernization choices.
  • If interpreted strictly, the provision could limit RUCO’s willingness to support higher rates for investments that improve long‑term resilience, decarbonization, or other policy objectives; conversely, it could constrain rate designs perceived as increasing retail rates even where system benefits exist.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • The amendment targets A.R.S. §40‑461 (the statutory definitions governing RUCO).
  • Document metadata lists introduction on February 5, 2025, and status shown as “Rule 3‑9(a) / Re‑referred to Assignments.” (Please verify current status with the Arizona legislative website—this document also contains procedural entries from other jurisdictions that may not apply.)
  • The text supplied includes both an “Introduced” version and a “Senate Engrossed” version with a minor wording difference (inclusion of “electric” in one draft).

Recommendation

Because the supplied file mixes content from multiple states and sessions, confirm which jurisdiction’s SB 1119 you want tracked. If you intend the Arizona RUCO amendment, confirm the current bill version and legislative status so I can provide an updated analysis of amendments, fiscal notes, and votes.

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

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