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Bill would bar CPUC commissioners from lobbying regulated companies for two years after leaving office
Summary
AB 26 18 would prohibit former CPUC commissioners from lobbying entities regulated by the commission for two years after their term to reduce revolving-door conflicts; consumer groups and TURN supported the measure while members asked about balancing ethics with recruiting technical experts.
AB 26 18 would extend a two-year post-employment restriction on lobbying for former California Public Utilities Commission commissioners, barring them from lobbying entities subject to CPUC regulation for that period. Supporters argued the change would reduce the appearance and reality of regulatory capture and strengthen public trust in utility rate-making.
Ignacio Hernandez of The Utility Reform Network testified in support, saying the restriction helps ensure commissioners focus on regulation rather than future employment and preserves the commission’s independence. Consumer Watchdog and TURN representatives offered support; no organized opposition speakers appeared in the room at the time of testimony. Committee members asked about the tradeoff between ethics and recruiting highly qualified technical experts into commission positions; the author said the original proposal sought a five-year bar but had been narrowed to two years as a compromise.
The committee moved AB 26 18 to Appropriations as a do-pass, amended motion; members discussed bipartisan support and the need to balance ethics protections with attracting qualified candidates.
