Public utilities: review of accounts: electrical and gas corporations: rates: political influence activities.

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Sent to Executive
8. Enacted

Summary

The law prohibits California electric and gas utilities from using ratepayer money for any political influence activities, including efforts to block municipal ownership, and adds new reporting and disclosure requirements. It also gives the Public Utilities Commission and its independent Public Advocate’s Office broader authority to inspect utility accounts, compel information, and enforce compliance with civil penalties. The changes aim to keep utility rates focused on reliable service rather than political lobbying.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Vote

Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 46. Noes 18. Page 6743.) Ordered to the Senate. · Aug 27, 2026

Hearings

• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · Aug 13, 2026
• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · Aug 5, 2026
• Utilities and Energy Committee Hearing
  Utilities and Energy · Jun 10, 2026
• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · Jan 22, 2026
• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · Jan 20, 2026

History

1. May 7, 2026From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on U. & E.
2. May 4, 2026Referred to Com. on U. & E.
3. Jan 27, 2026Reconsideration granted. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 3301.)
4. Jan 27, 2026Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 31. Noes 9. Page 3297.) Ordered to the Assembly.
5. Jan 27, 2026Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 30. Noes 10. Page 3302.) Ordered to the Assembly.
6. Jan 27, 2026Motion to reconsider made by Senator McNerney.
7. Jan 27, 2026In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
8. Jan 22, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
9. Jan 22, 2026From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 5. Noes 2. Page 3268.) (January 22).
10. Jan 21, 2026Set for hearing January 22.
11. Jan 20, 2026January 20 hearing: Placed on APPR. suspense file.
12. Jan 15, 2026Set for hearing January 20.

The 12 most recent of 24 recorded actions.

Sponsors

• Jerry McNerney (D) · sponsor
• Allen
• Berman
• McNerney
• Ortega
• Ransom
• Wahab
• Wiener

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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