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House approves resolution to study selection of Public Service Commission; debate pits election proponents against appointment defenders
Summary
The House passed SJR4 to request study of whether Utah’s Public Service Commission should be restructured or have commissioners elected. Supporters urged public hearings; opponents warned elections could politicize regulatory decision‑making. The resolution passed 59–13.
The Utah House voted March 5 to approve SJR4, a resolution asking for an interim review of the Public Service Commission’s structure and selection process and whether commissioners should be elected.
Representative Bigelow introduced the resolution and said it would encourage an interim hearing to consider changes ranging from restructuring the commission to electing its members. Representative Bennion spoke against electing commissioners, saying that turning the post into an elected office would ‘‘introduce politics’’ into a body that must make technical rate and oversight decisions on behalf of citizens.
Representative Hansen and Representative Buffmeier spoke in favor of public hearings and giving citizens a voice in the selection process. The House recorded a vote of 59 yes and 13 no; the resolution will be returned to the Senate for signature.
What happens next: SJR4 directs an interim review/hearing process; it does not change the commission’s current authority. Any change from appointment to election would require further legislative action.
