AB-2618 • 2026

Public Utilities Commission: commissioners: employment.

Crime Education

Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor: Connolly
Last action: 2026-04-14
Official status: Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not specify whether violating the new employment restriction is a criminal offense or how enforcement will be carried out.

Public Utilities Commission: Commissioners' Employment Rules

AB-2618 changes the rules about when Public Utilities Commission commissioners can work for companies they regulated, extending the waiting period from two to five years.

What This Bill Does

Changes the rule so that a commissioner cannot work for a company regulated by the commission for five years after leaving their job at the commission.
Adds this new rule as part of existing laws about public utilities in California.

Who It Names or Affects

Public Utilities Commission commissioners
Companies regulated by the Public Utilities Commission

Terms To Know

Public Utilities Commission (PUC): A group that regulates companies like electricity and phone providers in California.
Commissioner: A person who is part of the Public Utilities Commission and helps make decisions about rules for regulated companies.

Limits and Unknowns

Does not specify what happens if a commissioner breaks this rule.
Does not explain how commissioners will be chosen or appointed.
Does not provide details on enforcement mechanisms for the new five-year waiting period.

Bill History

2026-04-14 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-04-13 California Legislative Information
Read second time and amended.
2026-04-09 California Legislative Information
From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 17. Noes 0.) (April 8).
2026-03-17 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on U. & E.
2026-03-16 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on U. & E. Read second time and amended.
2026-03-16 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on U. & E.
2026-02-21 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.
2026-02-20 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 2618, as amended, Connolly.
Public Utilities Commission: commissioners: employment.
The California Constitution establishes the Public Utilities Commission, with jurisdiction over all public utilities, and provides for the composition and appointment of the commission. Existing law prohibits an executive of a public utility from serving as a commissioner within 2 years after leaving the employment of the public utility.
This bill would prohibit a commissioner of the commission from being employed by an entity subject to regulation by the commission for a period of
5
2
years after the end of the commissioner’s term of office.
Under existing law, a violation of the Public Utilities Act or any
order, decision, rule, direction, demand, or requirement of the commission is a crime.
Because the provisions of the bill would be part of the act and a violation of a commission action implementing the bill’s requirements would be a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF