SB 18: Public Utilities Commission: outside counsel.

The Public Utilities Act authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to appoint an attorney for the commission who holds that office at the pleasure of the commission. The act requires the attorney to represent and appear for the people and the commission in all actions and proceedings involving any question under the act or under any order or act of the commission. The act requires the attorney to commence, prosecute, and expedite the final determination of all actions and proceedings directed or authorized by the president, except as otherwise directed or authorized by vote of the commission, to advise the commission and each commissioner in regard to all matters in connection with the powers and duties of the commission or a commissioner, when requested, and generally to perform all duties and services as attorney to the commission that the president, or vote of the commission, may require of him or her.

This bill would require that any contract or other agreement by the commission for services by outside legal counsel to represent the commission in a criminal investigation initiated by any federal, state, or local agency be approved by a vote of the commission no sooner than 30 days after it is submitted to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee for review.