BILL NUMBER: SB 33	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Peace

                        DECEMBER 7, 1998

   An act to repeal and add Section 305 of the Public Utilities Code,
relating to public utilities.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 33, as introduced, Peace.  Public Utilities Commission:
president.
   Existing law requires the members of the Public Utilities
Commission to elect one of their number president of the commission
and requires the president to preside at all meetings and sessions of
the commission.  Existing law authorizes the commission to appoint
an attorney and an executive director to the commission, as
specified.  Under existing law, the executive director is responsible
for the commission's executive and administrative duties, including,
but not limited to, directing the operations and affairs of the
commission.
   This bill would, instead, require the Governor to designate the
president of the commission from among its members.  The bill would
require the president to direct the executive director, the attorney,
and other staff of the commission in the performance of their
duties, in accordance with commission policies and guidelines.  The
bill would require the president to preside at all meetings and
sessions of the commission.
   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  Section 305 of the Public Utilities Code is repealed.

   305.  The commissioners shall elect one of their number president
of the commission.  The president shall preside at all meetings and
sessions of the commission. 
  SEC. 2.  Section 305 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to
read:
   305.  The Governor shall designate a president of the commission
from among the members of the commission.  The president shall direct
the executive director, the attorney, and other staff of the
commission in the performance of their duties, in accordance with
commission policies and guidelines.  The president shall preside at
all meetings and sessions of the commission.