‘An Act To Provide for a Quorum at the Public Utilities Commission’
| HP1191 LD 1619 |
Session - 126th Maine Legislature C "A", Filing Number H-645, Sponsored by
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LR 2328 Item 2 |
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| Bill Tracking, Additional Documents | Chamber Status | ||
Amend the bill by striking out the title and substituting the following:
‘An Act To Provide for a Quorum at the Public Utilities Commission’
Amend the bill by inserting after the title and before the enacting clause the following:
‘Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, there is currently a proceeding before the Public Utilities Commission for which a quorum is not available; and
Whereas, the proceeding cannot be decided without a quorum and a delay in the case could be detrimental to all parties; and
Whereas, in order to maintain a quorum at the commission, the appointment process and confirmation process proposed in this legislation must commence as soon as possible; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,’
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and before the summary and inserting the following:
‘Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §108-B is enacted to read:
§ 108-B. Lack of quorum; temporary appointment
The Governor shall appoint 3 alternate commissioners who may serve as temporary commissioners in accordance with this section.
Sec. 2. Staggered terms. Notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 108-B, subsection 1, the terms of the initial alternate commissioners appointed pursuant to Title 35-A, section 108-B are staggered as follows: one alternate commissioner serves for a term of one year; one alternate commissioner serves for a term of 2 years; and one alternate commissioner serves for a term of 3 years.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.’
summary
This amendment is the unanimous report of the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology and replaces the bill. This amendment authorizes the Governor to appoint, subject to confirmation by the Legislature, 3 individuals to be alternate commissioners of the Public Utilities Commission. An alternate commissioner is randomly selected to be appointed a temporary commissioner to a proceeding at the Public Utilities Commission if a quorum is not available due to conflict of interest, disability or other reason.