129th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 807		LR 1592(02)
	An Act Regarding the Duties of the Public Advocate
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
	Committee: Energy Utilities and Technology
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
			FY 2019-20	FY 2020-21	Projections  FY 2021-22	Projections  FY 2022-23
Appropriations/Allocations
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$75,624	$75,624	$75,624	$75,624
Revenue
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$75,624	$75,624	$75,624	$75,624
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This bill removes language that prohibits the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) from intervening in any proceedings in which the Public Utilities Commission is representing a position substantially similar to that of the Public Advocate.  This removal allows the OPA to participate in additional proceedings. The bill includes annual allocations for the Public Advocate Regulatory Fund of $75,624 beginning in fiscal year 2019-20 to fund additional staff activities related to the proceedings.
	Because the OPA is funded by an assessment set to produce sufficient revenue for the expenditures allocated by the Legislature for operating the OPA, any increased allocations require a corresponding increase in revenue to the Public Advocate Regulatory Fund from the assessment on the intrastate gross operating revenues of utility and qualified telecommunications providers.