❌ SB245
Prohibit utilities from recovering political expenditure costs
Current Status: In Senate Committee (Public Utilities)
Summary
The bill prohibits public utilities from recovering costs associated with political expenditures from their customers. It defines political expenditures broadly and establishes penalties for utilities that violate this prohibition, including fines and the requirement to refund customers. Additionally, it creates a fund to assist customers with past-due utility bills using fines collected from violations.
Rationale
The bill restricts the ability of public utilities to recover costs, which may conflict with free market principles and property rights emphasized by both the LP and LPO. The broad definition of political expenditures could also be seen as an overreach of government regulation.
Risks and Concerns
- Potential for increased government control over utility operations
- Possibility of unintended consequences affecting utility funding
- Risk of reduced transparency in political spending