An Act To Clarify the Role of the Public Advocate
Maine Legislature, Session 125, LD 0429
Committee Amendment CA_A_S46 (Senate)
Amends: 5 MRSA §12004-I, 35-A MRSA §1712

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT" A "to S.P. 133, L.D. 429, Bill, "An Act To Clarify 
the Role of the Public Advocate" 
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and before the 
summary and inserting the following: 
'Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §12004-I, sub-§92, as enacted by PL 2007, c. 657, § 1, is 
repealed. 
Sec. 2. 35-A MRS A § 1702, sub-§§9 and 10 are enacted to read: 
9. Other advocacy forums. The Public Advocate, consistent with the priorities 
established in section 1702-A and the requirements of this chapter, may represent and 
promote the interests of the using and consuming public: 
A. In appropriate proceedings of the Legislature; and 
B. In regional or national forums, including but not limited to any proceeding of an 
independent system operator or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. 
10. Independent representation of the interests of the using and consuming 
public. The Public Advocate, when taking a position on any matter in any proceeding or 
forum pursuant to the Public Advocate's authority under this chapter, shall exercise 
independent judgment to ensure the position: 
A. 
Is consistent with the priorities established in section 1702-A and the 
requirements of this chapter; and 
B. Promotes stabilization and lowering of prices paid by those members of the using 
and consuming public whose interests the Public Advocate is representing. 
Sec. 3. 35-A MRSA §1712, as enacted by PL 2007, c. 657, §2, is repealed.' 
SUMMARY 
This amendment replaces the bill, which was a concept draft. It: 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
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COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 'A "to S.P. 133, L.D. 429 
1. Authorizes the Public Advocate to represent and promote the interests of the using 
and consuming public in appropriate proceedings of the Legislature and in regional or 
national forums, including but not limited to any proceeding of an independent system 
operator or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; 
2. 
Requires the Public Advocate, when taking a position on any matter in any 
proceeding or forum, to exercise independent judgment to ensure the position is 
consistent with the requirements of the law governing the Public Advocate and promotes 
stabilization and lowering of prices paid by those members of the using and consuming 
public whose interests the Public Advocate is representing; and 
3. Repeals the Railroad Crossing Information Council, on which the Public Advocate 
serves. The council serves as a repository of information concerning the establishment or 
maintenance of private railroad' crossings and provides information and assistance to 
persons regarding private crossings of railroads. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
Approved: 04115/11 M.:zc: 
LD 429 
LR 1166(02) 
An Act To Clarify the Role of the Public Advocate 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment '14" S- Jfb 
Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Minor cost increase - Other Special Revenue Funds 
Authorizing the Office of Public Advocate (OPA) to represent and promote the interests of the public in appropriate 
proceedings of the Legislature and regional or national forums including those pertaining to independent system 
operators or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission may result in minor increased costs which the OPA can 
absorb within existing budgeted resources. Repealing the Railroad Crossing Infom1ation Council will relieve the OP A 
of the burden of serving on the council and may result in minor savings to the OP A. 
LRl166(02) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1