CA AB2903

Prohibits public utility executives from serving as commissioners within 2 years after leaving employment and requires the commission to maintain updated conflict of interest codes and statements of incompatible activities.

Establishes new leadership positions including a chief administrative law judge, internal auditor, and Deputy Executive Director for Safety, with the chief administrative law judge assuming responsibility for keeping official records of commission proceedings.

Authorizes the commission to conduct financial and performance audits of entities created by commission orders or decisions, with audit reports transmitted to the Legislature and Governor immediately upon completion.

Requires the commission to appoint an independent ombudsman for ethics to receive employee complaints and institute enhanced ethics training for commissioners and staff on conflict of interest codes and ex parte communications.

Directs the California Research Bureau to conduct a study by January 1, 2018 on telecommunications service governance and regulatory structure, and requires the Governor to propose by January 31, 2018 the budget and statutory changes needed to transfer commission duties over passenger stage corporations, household goods carriers, and commercial air operators to the Transportation Agency by July 1, 2018.