| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
Relating to the membership of the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB 2154, As Engrossed: a negative impact of ($2,212,072) through the biennium ending August 31, 2023.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.
SB 2154 would make changes to the requirements to become a commissioner of the Public Utility Commission of Texas. It would increase the number of commissioners from three to five and require commissioners to be residents of Texas. At least two commissioners would be required to be well informed and qualified in the field of public utilities and utility regulation.
SB 2154 would prohibit anyone who served as an executive state officer other than Secretary of State or a member of the legislature within the prior year from being a commissioner. Similarly, it would reduce the period of ineligibility for owners, employees, and investors of public utilities to serve as commissioners from two years to one year.
While it is likely sound public policy to revamp the makeup of the Public Utilities Commission, Texas Action is neutral on SB 2154 as it does not touch directly upon any of our Liberty Principles.