The Florida Senate passed a bill Wednesday afternoon designed to restore public trust in government. SB 1034, more commonly known as the Public Service Commission Reform bill, prohibits PSC commissioners and staffers from engaging in private discussions with the utilities they regulate.
The bill stipulates that any communication, oral or written, between a commissioner or commissioner's staff and any representative of a utility is subject to public record. It requires any PSC employee who fails to make such a communication public within 15 days subject to termination and a civil penalty of up to $5,000.
It also places lobbying restrictions on PSC commissioners after their terms end.
The bill's sponsor, Senate President Pro Tem Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, says the legislation goes a long way in restoring Florida's faith in the government.
"This broad approach to reforming the Public Service Commission ensures transparency and accountability, so Floridians can trust that the commission works in their best interest," said Fasano.
The bill now moves to the House for approval.
