Appropriations panel advances Public Service Commission budget amendment to House Bill 1008

During a session of the House Appropriations — Government Operations Division, committee members voted to attach amendment 25.015201001 to House Bill 1008, advancing the Public Service Commission budget to full committee consideration.

The amendment keeps the commission's full‑time equivalent (FTE) count at 45 and makes modest base adjustments: a reduction in salaries and wages in one place, a 4 percent salary line included in the budget, the previously negotiated "3 and 3" increase agreed with the governor, and movement of an OMB pool between biennia. The amendment also adds limited one‑time operating funds — including IT and rent — and separate one‑time items for a drone program and federal intervention funding.

Why it matters: the Public Service Commission regulates utilities and handles certain federal filings that can carry litigation or technical contracting costs. The committee left permanent staffing unchanged while adding one‑time funding to cover technology and outside legal or technical intervention when cases reach federal regulators.

Key items and context - Amendment and worksheet: Committee members…