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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 23, 2019 02:49 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Christopher B. Quinn |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | PUC Shot-Clock Bill |
| I plan to introduce legislation shortly that will enforce the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) regulations under 52 Pa Code §§ 63.321-63.325. My bill will codify the PUC’s self-imposed 60-day approval of unprotested telecommunication applications, which the PUC has routinely failed to meet over the last several years. The PUC has repeatedly extended the review period for uncontested applications for indefinite periods of time without any explanation to or recourse for the businesses impacted. In some cases, the approvals are taking over 300 days without justification, being stalled out with no end in sight. My bill will create accountability for these regulators and help prevent our job-creating telecommunication businesses from being stuck in unnecessary quagmires when a filing is unopposed. My legislation will also prohibit the PUC from imposing conditions for approval of non-contested applications that are not relevant in Pennsylvania or beyond the PUC’s jurisdiction. Currently, the PUC is required to evaluate an application based solely on the evidence in the Pennsylvania record. However, I have learned that the PUC is over-stepping its jurisdictional reach and evaluating an application based on proceedings in other jurisdictions or making demands of their regulated entities that are beyond the scope of PUC jurisdiction. Our regulated utility companies should be afforded certainty and predictability, especially when a filing is not opposed by any party. This codification of the PUC’s self-imposed ‘shot-clock’ regulations will ensure this. I believe that this will help spark the delivery of enhanced telecommunication products and services as well as increased economic development and investment in Pennsylvania. Thank you for your consideration. Please contact Alison in my office at ahagler@pahousegop.com if you have any questions. |
Introduced as HB1511