BILL NUMBER: AB 2803	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Jerome Horton

                        FEBRUARY 20, 2004

   An act to add Sections 309.4 to the Public Utilities Code,
relating to the Public Utilities Commission.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 2803, as introduced, Jerome Horton.  Public Utilities
Commission:  Office of Economic Development.
   Under existing law, the Public Utilities Commission has regulatory
authority over public utilities.  Existing law establishes a
division within the Public Utilities Commission, known as the Office
of Ratepayer Advocates, to represent the interests of public utility
customers and subscribers, with the goal of obtaining the lowest
possible rate for service consistent with reliable and safe service
levels.
   This bill would establish the Office of Economic Development as a
division within the commission to review and assess the beneficial
and adverse economic impacts, as defined, intended and unintended, of
commission decisions and orders in commission proceeding.  The goal
of the office would be to assist the commission in making decisions
that will promote economic development and to avoid making decisions
that will suppress economic development.
   Vote:  majority.  Appropriation:  no.  Fiscal committee:  yes.
State-mandated local program:  no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


  SECTION 1.  Section 309.4 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to
read:
   309.4.  (a) There shall be established within the commission, a
division named the Office of Economic Development, which shall review
and assess the beneficial and adverse economic impacts, intended and
unintended, of commission decisions and orders in commission
proceedings.  The goal of the Office of Economic Development is to
assist the commission in making decisions that will promote economic
development and to avoid making decisions that will suppress economic
development.
   (b) For purposes of this section:
   (1) "Adverse economic impacts" includes increasing costs, raising
prices, loss of jobs or employment opportunities, reducing
technological innovation or investment in technological innovation,
reducing investment in infrastructure to serve consumers, and
reducing consumer choices and options.
   (2) "Beneficial economic impacts" include increased efficiency,
reduced costs, reduced prices, technological innovation, increased
employment, increased consumer choices, and increased information
reasonably available to consumers to make informed choices.