CA SB982

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to develop and implement a safety enforcement program for all public utilities under its jurisdiction by January 1, 2022, expanding beyond the existing programs for gas and electrical corporations.

Expands the Public Advocate's Office mandate to explicitly advocate on behalf of customers for continuous, cost-effective improvement of public utility safety performance in all proceedings.

Safety enforcement program must include monitoring, data tracking and analysis, investigations, and citation issuance by commission staff, with procedures for notice, appeals, and consideration of voluntary reporting and prior violation history.

Specifies that no state reimbursement is required because any costs incurred by local agencies or school districts will result from the creation of a new crime or changes to criminal penalties under the Public Utilities Act.