Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory authority over public utilities, including electrical corporations, gas corporations, heat corporations, telegraph corporations, telephone corporations, and water corporations. Existing law directs the commission to require a public utility to establish and maintain a balancing account whenever the commission authorizes a change in rates reflecting and passing through to customers specific changes in costs to reflect the balance between the related costs and revenues. Existing law requires the commission to develop a risk-based approach for reviewing those balancing accounts periodically to ensure that the transactions recorded in the balancing accounts are for allowable purposes and are supported by appropriate documentation. Existing law requires the commission to maintain an inventory of the balancing accounts and requires public utilities to record all related costs and revenues in their balancing accounts. Existing law requires the commission to adopt balancing account review procedures that are consistent with a risk-based approach. Existing law requires the commission to annually provide the Legislature with an update on the status of its review of balancing accounts as part of an annual report or by posting it on its internet website, as provided. Existing law requires that all charges demanded or received by any public utility, or by any 2 or more public utilities, for any product or commodity furnished or to be furnished or any service rendered or to be rendered be just and reasonable and provides that every unjust or unreasonable charge demanded or received for such product or commodity or service is unlawful. This bill would require the commission to include, as part of its annual update to the Legislature on the status of its review of balancing accounts, the amount of funds in, and the expenditures from, the memorandum accounts and balancing accounts of each public utility. The bill would require the commission to conduct a comprehensive audit, with specified criteria, of each wildfire- or emergency-related memorandum account or balancing account of each electrical corporation on or before July 1, 2025, or, on or before January 1, 2027, if the commission is unable to review all those accounts by July 1, 2025, as provided. The bill would require the commission, if it determines that any actual costs recorded in those electrical corporation accounts have already been authorized and collected from customers, to deny the electrical corporation a 2nd recovery of those costs. The bill would require the commission to make those determinations and take those actions in a manner that ensures that the rates are sufficient to enable the public utility to recover a just and reasonable rate of return. Under existing law, a violation of any order, decision, rule, direction, demand, or requirement of the commission is a crime. Because a violation of a commission action implementing this bill's requirements would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis California Assembly resolution encourages the U.S. Congress to pass legislation creating a National Infrastructure Bank to fund critical repairs and upgrades for roads, bridges, dams, and other public works. The bill cites reports from the American Society of Civil Engineers highlighting billions of dollars in investment gaps and poor conditions affecting California's transportation and water systems. It advocates for a financing model that uses existing federal debt rather than new taxes, aiming to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and prioritize projects in disadvantaged communities. The resolution formally requests that federal leaders adopt this approach to address the state's urgent infrastructure needs.
Maddy summaryThis California House Resolution condemns the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump and calls for an end to political violence. The measure highlights the event where Trump was wounded while speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and notes that one attendee died and others were injured while trying to protect him. It urges the state to foster a political environment based on respectful discourse and nonviolence. The resolution is a formal statement of the Assembly's stance and does not create new laws or change existing policies.
This measure would recognize the importance of California Native American Day, celebrated this year on September 27, 2024, and the annual California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference, to the enhancement of awareness of California Indian culture.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Filipino American History Month to recognize the long-standing contributions of Filipinos to California and the United States. It directly affects state officials and the public by designating a specific month for commemoration and education. The resolution highlights historical milestones, including early Spanish-era interactions, the development of Filipino communities in cities like Stockton and San Francisco, and the significant roles Filipinos played in agriculture, shipbuilding, and military service during World War II. By formally acknowledging these events, the bill aims to promote awareness of Filipino American heritage within the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates November 22, 2024, as Kimchee Day in California to honor the traditional Korean dish and its cultural significance. It acknowledges the long history of kimchee, the contributions of Korean Americans, and the dish's recognized health benefits and growing popularity in the United States. The resolution directs the Assembly's Chief Clerk to send copies of the document to the author for distribution.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Transgender History Month in California to recognize the state's significant contributions to transgender history and activism. The resolution highlights key historical figures and events, such as early Indigenous gender variance, the Cooper Do-nuts and Compton's Cafeteria riots, and the founding of major support organizations. By formally acknowledging these milestones, the measure aims to educate the public about the long-standing presence and struggles of transgender people in California.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of June 3, 2024, as Sacramento Valley Ecosystem Awareness Week to highlight the region's unique natural and agricultural resources. The measure acknowledges the area's importance for migratory birds, endangered fish species, and rice farming while promoting efforts to restore local ecosystems. It expresses legislative support for the Floodplain Forward Coalition, a group working to improve water management and environmental health in the valley. The resolution serves as a formal recognition of these ecological values rather than creating new laws or funding.
Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates Wednesday, June 12, 2024, as Loving Day in the state of California. It commemorates the 1967 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized interracial marriage nationwide and honors the legacy of Mildred and Richard Loving. The measure serves as a symbolic observance to celebrate multicultural communities and the historical significance of the court decision.
This measure would designate the portion of Interstate 80 in the County of Placer, from the Douglas Boulevard Overcrossing, 19-0079 at postmile 1.975, to the junction of State Route 65 at postmile 4.160, as the Sergeant Nicole Gee, United States Marine Corps Memorial Highway. The measure would also request that the Department of Transportation determine the cost of appropriate signs showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover the cost, to erect those signs.