Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Electric Restructuring topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate approves task force reauthorization directing electric-restructuring plan, after heated debate
Summary
After hours of debate over whether the measure mandates deregulation, the Utah Senate passed second substitute SB 250 — reauthorizing the Electric Deregulation and Customer Choice Task Force and directing it to prepare implementing legislation; amendment inserting ‘‘intends to’’ and a public-interest caveat was adopted before passage (26–2–1 absent).
Senators voted to advance second substitute Senate Bill 250 after an extended floor debate about whether the bill requires a task force to prepare implementing legislation for electrical restructuring.
The bill, described by sponsor as a reauthorization of the Electric Deregulation and Customer Choice Task Force, directs the task force to prepare legislation “that intends to implement an electrical restructuring plan” to be presented during the 2001 general session, but the final text added an exception allowing the task force not to prepare implementation “unless it is not in Utah’s best interest.” The change was put into the bill by amendment and adopted on the floor.
Opponents argued the original language effectively compelled the task force to draft deregulation legislation and could bind future committees; supporters said the measure simply gives the task force direction and ensures stakeholders are at the table to craft recommendations.
Sen. Peterson and others proposed amendments to strike the language requiring preparation of legislation and to substitute more permissive wording; that motion failed on a roll call. Subsequent amendments changing the phraseology to “intends to implement” and adding the public-interest caveat were adopted and accepted as a friendly compromise.
Several senators urged caution. Sen. Hilliard and others warned of models in other states that failed, while Sen. Blackham and proponents argued the task force should include utilities, municipal providers, cities and consumer representatives so any proposed legislation would be developed collaboratively.
After debate and explanation of votes, clerks recorded the final tally for the second substitute SB 250, as amended, at 26 ayes, 2 nays, 1 absent; the bill passed to the third-reading calendar.
Next steps: The committee-authorized work is expected to continue in the task force with the adopted direction; any legislation the task force drafts will still need to come before the Legislature for committee hearings and floor votes.
