CA SB605

Authorizes (rather than requires) assigned commissioners to schedule prehearing conferences in adjudication and ratesetting proceedings, but prohibits waiving a prehearing conference when a party identifies a disputed material issue of fact, law, or policy.

Requires the commission to provide remote participation options for prehearing conferences when practicable and prevents reduction or waiver of public comment periods on proposed decisions when no prehearing conference is held.

Allows interested persons to obtain party status within 10 days after issuance of a proposed decision if no prehearing conference was scheduled.

Establishes procedures for "quiet periods" during the three business days before commission votes on decisions in ratesetting and catastrophic wildfire proceedings, during which oral and written ex parte communications are prohibited.

Permits the commission to meet in closed session with three-day advance public notice to deliberate on proposed decisions, orders, or resolutions in ratesetting and catastrophic wildfire proceedings.