MontanaMontana proposal would split utility commission seats between voters and governor
The proposal, which died in committee, would have voters elect two Montana utility regulators and let the governor appoint three, subject to Senate approval.
What it does
Voters would elect two Public Service Commission members, while the governor would appoint three, subject to approval by at least two-thirds of the Senate.
Appointed commissioners would need relevant experience, four years without a work tie to a regulated company, and no financial interests in such companies for themselves or close family.
Argument forRequiring appointees to have relevant experience and pass Senate review could help commissioners understand utility issues and avoid conflicts of interest.
Argument againstThe limits on work ties and family finances could rule out some people with utility experience, narrowing who can serve on the commission.
More detail
The proposal would have voters elect two commissioners and the governor appoint three. The plan covers the five seats on Montana's Public Service Commission. The Senate would need to approve each appointment by at least a two-thirds vote.
The proposal would set qualifications and conflict-of-interest rules for appointed commissioners. These rules apply to people appointed to the commission. Appointees would need at least four years without a professional connection to a company regulated by the commission. They, their spouses, and minor children could not have financial interests in such a company. Appointees would need relevant experience or technical qualifications, U.S. citizenship, and at least two years of Montana residency immediately before appointment. They would document their qualifications and file them with a $100 fee before nomination. The four-year separation period would apply before appointment.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Died
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- May 23(H) Died in CommitteeDied
- Apr 15(H) Tabled in Committee - (H) State AdministrationMinor
- Vote recorded to_table. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 9(S) Fiscal Note Printed
- Apr 8(S) Fiscal Note Unsigned
- Apr 8(S) Fiscal Note ReceivedMinor
- Apr 7(H) Hearing - (H) State Administration
- Apr 7(H) 1st Reading
- Apr 7(H) Referred to Committee - (H) State AdministrationMinor
- Apr 5(S) Transmitted to House
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded AMD-SB0561.001.001 Bogner D/PASS. Result: fail.Upper
- Apr 5(S) 3rd Reading
- Apr 5(S) Scheduled for 3rd ReadingMinor
- Apr 5(S) 2nd ReadingMinor
- Apr 5(S) 2nd Reading Motion to AmendMinor
- Apr 4(S) Scheduled for 2nd ReadingMinor
- Apr 2(S) Committee Report - (S) Energy, Technology & Federal Relations
- Apr 1(S) Committee Executive Action - (S) Energy, Technology & Federal Relations
- Vote recorded do_pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 1(S) Fiscal Note Requested
- Mar 31(S) Hearing - (S) Energy, Technology & Federal Relations
- Mar 31(S) Referred to Committee - (S) Energy, Technology & Federal RelationsMinor
- Mar 31(S) 1st Reading
- Mar 31(S) Introduced
- Mar 31(LC) Draft Delivered to Requester
- Mar 31(LC) Draft Ready for Delivery
- Mar 30(LC) Draft in Assembly
- Mar 30(LC) Draft in Final Drafter Review
- Mar 30(LC) Draft in Input/Proofing
- Mar 29(LC) Draft in Edit
- Mar 29(LC) Draft in Legal Review
- Mar 21(LC) Drafter AssignedIntroduced
Government & Ethics