TITLE: Relating to the organization and duties of the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

SUMMARY: Relating to the organization and duties of the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the organization and duties of the Public Utility Commission of Texas. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 12.051(c), Utilities Code, is amended to read as follows: (c) Commissioners serve staggered, two-year [six-year] terms. SECTION 2. Section 12.053(a), Utilities Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) To be eligible for appointment, a commissioner must: (1) be a qualified voter; (2) be a citizen of the United States; (3) be a resident of this state; (4) be a competent and experienced administrator; (5) [(4)] be well informed and qualified in the field of public utilities and utility regulation; and (6) [(5)] have at least five years of experience in the administration of business or government or as a practicing attorney or certified public accountant. SECTION 3. Section 12.203, Utilities Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 12.203. ANNUAL [BIENNIAL] REPORT. Not later than January 15 of each [odd-numbered] year, the commission shall prepare a written report that includes suggestions regarding modification and improvement of the commission's statutory authority and for the improvement of utility regulation in general that the commission considers appropriate for protecting and furthering the interest of the public. SECTION 4. The governor shall promptly appoint three 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, 2022, and two commissioners to a term expiring September 1, 2023. 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 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.