CO HB1323

Prohibits individuals from serving on the Public Utilities Commission if they served as an officer or director of a regulated utility within the preceding 4 years, effective July 1, 2017.

Prohibits commissioners from holding any official relation to or financial interest in regulated utilities, with exceptions for passive ownership of stocks, bonds, or similar investment vehicles; commissioners must divest within a reasonable time if acquiring interests involuntarily.

Creates an independent ethics ombudsman position to receive complaints, administer ethics training for commissioners and staff, and annually report to the executive director and general assembly on complaint dispositions.

Authorizes the commission director to assign employees to temporary training with other state agencies and requires the director to maintain and publicly post audio recordings of all commission proceedings online.

Appropriates $22,812 for the 2017-18 fiscal year ($9,695 from the fixed utility fund, $9,695 from the telecommunication utility fund, and $3,422 from the motor carrier fund) to implement the bill, including legal services.