Cal. Assembly Utilities & Commerce Committee set April hearings o...

90 days after proposed order is forwarded by PUC administrative law judges. PUC could extend those deadlines for up to 60 days for good cause, but would be required to file report with legislature and governor whenever it missed statutory deadlines. Current Cal. law sets no maximum time period for PUC action. Panel plans April 1 hearing on bill (AB-2754) to provide that absolute majority of PUC members, not just majority of quorum, must vote to impose any fines or penalties that exceed $1 million. Agency also would have to find that penalty was justified by “preponderance of evidence,” that there were no mitigating factors such as actions taken by utility to detect or rectify violation and that utility’s financial resources were sufficient to pay penalty. Bill also would require PUC to impose substantially similar penalties for substantially similar violations. Assembly panel also plans April 8 hearing on 911 bill (AB- 2569) to allow state’s landline 911 fund account to also be used for covering costs of implementing wireless E-911 service that can pinpoint location of wireless phone placing 911 call. Bill would specify that money in fund couldn’t be used by state for any purpose not directly related to 911 service.