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AB-2181 • 2026

Public Utilities Commission.

Public Utilities Commission.

Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor
Petrie-Norris
Last action
2026-04-23
Official status
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 18. Noes 0.) (April 22). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on other factors besides geographic diversity or how it will affect current powers of the commission.

Public Utilities Commission Diversity

This law requires the Governor to consider geographic diversity when appointing new members for the Public Utilities Commission.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires the Governor to consider geographic diversity when appointing new commissioners for the Public Utilities Commission.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The Governor of California who appoints new members to the Public Utilities Commission.

Terms To Know

Public Utilities Commission
A group of people chosen by the Governor to make rules for companies that provide services like electricity and water.
Geographic diversity
Making sure different areas of California are represented in the choices made by the Governor.

Limits and Unknowns

  • Does not specify what other factors besides geographic diversity should be considered.
  • It is unclear how this law will change the current composition of the Public Utilities Commission.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-23 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 18. Noes 0.) (April 22). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

  2. 2026-03-02 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on U. & E.

  3. 2026-02-20 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 22.

  4. 2026-02-19 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 2181, as introduced, Petrie-Norris.
Public Utilities Commission.
The California Constitution establishes the Public Utilities Commission, which consists of 5 members appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate. Existing law vests the commission with regulatory authority over public utilities.
This bill would require the Governor, in appointing members of the commission, to ensure a diverse composition of commissioners by considering geographic diversity and other factors.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF