TITLE: Relating to the composition of the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

SUMMARY: Relating to the composition of the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the composition of the Public Utility Commission of Texas. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 12.051, Utilities Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (a-1) and (a-2) to read as follows: (a) The commission is composed of five [three] commissioners appointed by the governor.(a-1) The chair of the legislative caucus whose political party has the most members in the house of representatives shall submit to the governor a list of names of at least five persons eligible for appointment as commissioner. The governor shall appoint three commissioners from the list. (a-2) The chair of the legislative caucus whose political party has the second most members in the house of representatives shall submit to the governor a list of names of at least five persons eligible for appointment as commissioner. The governor shall appoint two commissioners from the list [with the advice and consent of the senate].SECTION 2. The governor shall promptly appoint five commissioners to the Public Utility Commission of Texas in accordance with Section 12.051, Utilities Code, as amended by this Act. Notwithstanding Section 12.051(c), Utilities Code, in making the initial appointments under that section, the governor shall designate one commissioner to a term expiring September 1, 2023, two commissioners to a term expiring September 1, 2025, and two commissioners to a term expiring September 1, 2027. A person who is serving as a commissioner of the Public Utility Commission of Texas immediately before the effective date of this Act may continue to serve until the person's successor is appointed and qualifies to serve. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.