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RI H7883
Bill
Status
2/27/2026
Primary Sponsor
Arthur Handy
Click for details
AI Summary
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Transfers approval authority for public utility mergers, purchases, leases, and stock acquisitions from the Division of Public Utilities to the Public Utilities Commission
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Mandates public hearings for all utility transaction approval petitions, removing the previous discretionary language that allowed hearings only "if deemed necessary"
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Expands the definition of "public interest" to explicitly include rates, competitive market access, elimination of anti-competitive influence, environmental protection, and proper utility administration and regulation
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Requires the commission to allow intervention by any citizen, business, or group advocating on public interest matters, and prohibits denial of participation based on commercial interest grounds
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Makes all commission orders on utility transactions subject to appellate review under § 42-35-15; effective upon passage
Legislative Description
Provides amendments to procedures necessary for approval of transactions between utilities by giving the public utilities commission jurisdiction; mandates public hearings, allows intervention by any interested party and provides for appeal.
Public Utilities And Carriers
Last Action
Introduced, referred to House Corporations
2/27/2026