The Transportation and Economic Development Subcommittee’s recommendation to report House Bill 5,034 — the Public Utility Commission (PUC) budget — out with the dash-1 amendment passed in committee. The subcommittee recommended a 2025–27 total-funds budget of $130,347,897 and an increase of five permanent positions to support oversight of utility wildfire mitigation activities.

Debate focused on whether the PUC has the tools and the will to hold utilities accountable while carrying growing responsibilities tied to wildfire mitigation and clean‑energy programs. “I have grave concerns that the culture within the PUC is not to actually hold utilities accountable,” said Representative Kate, who announced she would vote no on the measure. Representative Owens argued the PUC needs more resources to meet expanded duties created by recent legislation: “If we’re going to keep asking them to do more, we have to give them the resources.”

Several members noted that costs imposed on utilities because of environmental and wildfire-related policies ultimately flow to ratepayers. “Oregonians have no color of money,” Representative Ben Draisen said. “They pay for this entire budget stem to stern.” Senator Bonham warned recent policy decisions have driven steep rate increases in the last five years and said he would vote no.

The budget includes $2.1 million to finish a new activity-and-docket system and replace a 25-year-old residential service protection fund database; it also funds positions tied to oversight of utility wildfire mitigation and a $20 increase in the Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots operating fee to preserve a three‑month operating reserve.

On the committee floor several members recorded no votes citing concerns about cost burdens on households and the PUC’s enforcement record; others supported the budget, citing new leadership at the PUC and a need to give the agency tools to implement recent statutory duties. The motion to report the bill out as amended passed with objections recorded in the transcript.