Bill > AB420

This bill amends the Public Utilities Code to provide a new exemption for certain utility easement transactions. Specifically, the bill allows public utilities with gross annual California revenues of $500 million or more to sell, lease, or modify easements without prior Public Utilities Commission approval if the ratepayer financial impact is $100,000 or less. The bill requires these threshold values to be adjusted for inflation every five years starting in 2030. Additionally, public utilities must file an annual Tier 1 advice letter by April 1st, detailing all such transactions, including the date, value, location, and parties involved. This exemption is designed to streamline the process for relatively small utility property transactions while maintaining transparency through mandatory reporting. The bill also specifies that violations of these provisions could be considered a crime, and it includes a provision stating that no state reimbursement is required for implementing these changes. The overall goal appears to be reducing administrative burdens on large public utilities while ensuring proper oversight of property transactions that could impact ratepayers.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB420