PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION – Amends existing law to establish rules for ex parte communications to and from the Public Utilities Commission and to limit the amount that a commissioner or staff member may receive as a gift.

This bill updates rules for the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to restrict informal, off-the-record communications between commissioners or staff and regulated entities, requiring such discussions to be written and part of the official record unless they concern scheduling or administrative matters. It also strengthens existing gift restrictions by clarifying that public servants cannot accept money or benefits from people they regulate, investigate, or make decisions about, with limited exceptions for small, trivial gifts or personal relationships unrelated to official duties. The legislation applies penalties of up to $250 for individuals and $2,500 for organizations for violations and allows the attorney general to pursue enforcement actions. These changes directly affect utility companies, their representatives, and commission staff by creating clearer boundaries for interactions and reducing potential conflicts of interest.