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AL SB360
Bill
Status
3/12/2026
Primary Sponsor
Clyde Chambliss
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AI Summary
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Expands the Alabama Public Service Commission from 3 members to 7 commissioners, with each representing a congressional district and serving 6-year terms instead of 4-year terms
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Creates a cabinet-level Secretary of Energy position appointed by the Governor, who will direct commission activities, set meeting agendas, and oversee personnel and administrative functions beginning January 19, 2027
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Freezes electric retail base rates at October 1, 2026 levels until January 1, 2029, and permanently prohibits utilities from passing lobbying costs, non-public-safety advertising, and charitable grants through to ratepayers
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Prohibits utilities regulated by the commission from making campaign contributions to candidates for public service commissioner
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Phases in new commissioners through gubernatorial appointments by July 15, 2026 and staggered elections in November 2026, 2028, and 2030, with all seven districts represented by January 2031
Legislative Description
Public Service Commission; number of commissioners expanded to represent congressional districts, phase-in by election provided, term of office revised, position of Secretary of Energy established as cabinet member, calculation of electric utility rates revised
Telecommunications & Utilities
Last Action
Pending House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure
3/13/2026