2023 -- H 5490

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LC000117

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RATE INCREASE MEETINGS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Morales, Potter, Newberry, Cortvriend, Kislak, McEntee,
Knight, Hull, Stewart, and McNamara

     Date Introduced: February 10, 2023

     Referred To: House Corporations

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Section 39-1-11 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-1 entitled "Public Utilities

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Commission" is hereby amended to read as follows:

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     39-1-11. Proceedings before commission.

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     (a) The commission shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations governing the procedure

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to be followed in any matter that may come before it for a hearing, and in the hearing the

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commission shall not be bound by technical rules of evidence. The commission shall sit as an

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impartial, independent body, and is charged with the duty of rendering independent decisions

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affecting the public interest and private rights based upon the law and upon the evidence presented

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before it by the division and by the parties in interest. The presence of one commissioner shall

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constitute a quorum at all hearings, provided that the concurrence of a majority of the commission

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shall be required for the rendering of a decision.

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     (b) Any public hearing conducted by the commission related to utility rate increases shall

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only be held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday at or after 5:30 pm.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC000117

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RATE INCREASE MEETINGS

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     This act would require public hearings of the commission related to utility rate increases

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be conducted only on Monday through Thursday after 5:30 pm.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC000117

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