CA SB215

Establishes disqualification procedures for Public Utilities Commission (PUC) commissioners and administrative law judges based on bias or prejudice, similar to those of other state agencies and superior courts, with past work experience excluded as a basis for disqualification.

Prohibits commissioners and administrative law judges from ruling on motions to disqualify themselves due to bias or prejudice in ratesetting and adjudicatory proceedings.

Regulates ex parte communications before the PUC by requiring disclosure of prohibited communications in adjudication and ratesetting cases within three working days, with specific reporting requirements including date, time, location, participants, and content.

Permits ex parte communications in quasi-legislative proceedings unless the PUC determines otherwise by order or ruling, and prohibits one-way communications from decisionmakers to interested persons and communications regarding commissioner or administrative law judge assignments.

Establishes civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation for entities or persons violating ex parte communication requirements, with authority for the Attorney General to bring enforcement actions against commission decisionmakers and employees for knowing violations.