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Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

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HB385 • 2026

SIMPLIFIED RATE FILING FOR UTILITIES

An Act relating to a simplified rate filing procedure for public utilities.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
HOUSE LABOR & COMMERCE
Last action
2026-05-14
Official status
(H) L&C
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details about the requirements for using the simplified rate filing procedure, nor does it specify which types of public utilities are included in this new process. Additionally, there is no information on how often or when the commission will review the use of this method.

Simplified Rate Filing for Utilities

This act changes how public utilities can adjust their rates over time using a simplified process.

What This Bill Does

  • Changes the law to allow public utilities to ask for permission to change their rates gradually using a simplified process.
  • Requires the commission to create rules about this new rate adjustment procedure.
  • Gives public utilities the chance to apply for permission to use the simplified rate filing method if they meet certain requirements.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Public utilities that want to adjust their rates over time
  • The commission responsible for regulating public utilities

Terms To Know

Simplified rate filing procedure
A new way for public utilities to ask permission from the government to change their rates gradually.
Commission
The group that makes rules and checks on how public utilities operate.

Limits and Unknowns

  • Does not specify which types of public utilities are included in this new process.
  • Does not explain what the requirements for using the simplified rate filing procedure are.
  • Does not detail how often or when the commission will review the use of this new method.

Bill History

  1. 2026-05-14 Text

    (H) Heard & Held -- Please Note Location Change --

  2. 2026-05-14 Text

    (H) LABOR & COMMERCE at 08:00 AM BARNES 124

  3. 2026-05-13 Text

    (H) Scheduled but Not Heard -- Recessed to 08:00 am 5/14--

  4. 2026-05-13 Text

    (H) LABOR & COMMERCE at 03:15 PM BARNES 124

  5. 2026-04-09 2079

    (H) REFERRED TO LABOR & COMMERCE

  6. 2026-04-09 2079

    (H) L&C, CRA

  7. 2026-04-09 2079

    (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

Official Summary Text

SIMPLIFIED RATE FILING FOR UTILITIES
An Act relating to a simplified rate filing procedure for public utilities.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
HB0385a -1- HB 385
New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]

34-LS1638\A

HOUSE BILL NO. 385

IN THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA

THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION

BY THE HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE

Introduced: 4/9/26
Referred: Labor and Commerce, Community and Regional Affairs

A BILL

FOR AN ACT ENTITLED

"An Act relating to a simplified rate filing procedure for public utilities." 1
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA: 2
* Section 1. AS 42.05.381(e) is amended to read: 3
(e) The commission shall adopt regulations for public [ELECTRIC 4
COOPERATIVES AND FOR LOCAL EXCHANGE TELEPHONE] utilities setting a 5
range for adjustment of rates by a simplified rate filing procedure. A public 6
[COOPERATIVE OR TELEPHONE] utility may apply for permission to adjust its 7
rates over a period of time under the simplified rate filing procedure regulations. The 8
commission shall grant the application if the [COOPERATIVE OR TELEPHONE] 9
utility satisfies the requirements of the regulations. The commission may review 10
implementation of the simplified rate filing procedure at reasonable intervals and may 11
revoke permission to use the procedure or require modification of the rates to correct 12
an error. 13