ME LD861

Public Utilities Commission commissioners serving on or after December 15, 2025 are prohibited for 12 months after leaving office from soliciting or accepting employment from any Maine public utility or appearing before the commission for compensation on behalf of any person.

The Public Advocate serving on or after December 15, 2025 is prohibited for 12 months after leaving office from soliciting or accepting employment from any Maine public utility.

Former Public Advocates are also barred for 12 months from appearing before the commission for compensation on behalf of parties who were involved in adjudicatory proceedings during their term, with exceptions for state agencies and quasi-independent state entities.

"Employment" is broadly defined to include full-time work, part-time work, consulting, and board membership.

Violations carry civil penalties up to $1,000 per occurrence, with enforcement authority granted to the Office of the Attorney General.