- Committee -

SCS/SB 1209 - This act revises provisions relating to the Public Service Commission (PSC). This act requires the commissioners to reside within the state of Missouri.

This act allows the PSC to retain an independent, technical advisory staff of up to five full-time employees, with qualifications to render technical advice in public utility regulatory matters. Staff may include licensed attorneys, certified public accountants, engineers and persons with a finance or accounting backgrounds. The staff shall advise, update, and assist the commissioners and the administrative law judges on technical matters. This advice shall not be relied upon by the Commission as evidence in any proceeding. The staff shall be subject to any applicable ex parte or conflict of interest requirements to the same degree as commissioners.

This act also sets forth requirements for disclosure on ex parte communications on subjects related to pending or filed cases.

SARAH MORROW