Senate Bill S7328A

2025-2026 Legislative Session

Relates to the appointment and responsibilities of the commissioners of the public service commission

download bill text pdf

Current Bill Status - In Assembly Committee

Introduced
- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
Delivered to Governor
Signed By Governor

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Actions

View Actions

Date of Action	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
May 18, 2026	referred to corporations, authorities and commissions returned to assembly repassed senate
May 04, 2026	amended on third reading 7328b
May 04, 2026	vote reconsidered - restored to third reading returned to senate recalled from assembly
Feb 05, 2026	referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
Feb 04, 2026	delivered to assembly passed senate
Jan 27, 2026	ordered to third reading cal.147 reported and committed to rules
Jan 07, 2026	referred to energy and telecommunications returned to senate died in assembly
Jun 05, 2025	referred to corporations, authorities and commissions delivered to assembly passed senate
May 29, 2025	amended on third reading 7328a
May 15, 2025	advanced to third reading
May 14, 2025	2nd report cal.
May 13, 2025	1st report cal.1100
Apr 10, 2025	referred to energy and telecommunications

Votes

- May 18, 2026 - Floor Vote
  S7328A
  
  Aye
  
  57
  
  Nay
  
  3
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  3
  
  Abstained
  
  0
  - - Floor Vote: May 18, 2026
      
      aye (57)
      
      Addabbo Jr.
      
      Ashby
      
      Bailey
      
      Baskin
      
      Borrello
      
      Bottcher
      
      Brisport
      
      Brouk
      
      Bynoe
      
      Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick
      
      Chan
      
      Cleare
      
      Comrie
      
      Cooney
      
      Fahy
      
      Fernandez
      
      Gallivan
      
      Gianaris
      
      Gonzalez
      
      Gounardes
      
      Griffo
      
      Harckham
      
      Hinchey
      
      Jackson
      
      Kavanagh
      
      Liu
      
      Martinez
      
      Martins
      
      Mattera
      
      May
      
      Mayer
      
      Murray
      
      Myrie
      
      O'Mara
      
      Oberacker
      
      Ortt
      
      Palumbo
      
      Parker
      
      Persaud
      
      Rhoads
      
      Rivera
      
      Rolison
      
      Ryan
      
      Salazar
      
      Scarcella-Spanton
      
      Sepúlveda
      
      Serrano
      
      Skoufis
      
      Stavisky
      
      Stec
      
      Stewart-Cousins
      
      Sutton
      
      Tedisco
      
      Walczyk
      
      Webb
      
      Weber
      
      Zellner
      
      nay (3)
      
      Helming
      
      Lanza
      
      Weik
      
      excused (3)
      
      Krueger
      
      Ramos
      
      Sanders Jr.
      
      The following Member(s) participated via videoconferencing: Brouk
  Feb 4, 2026 - Floor Vote
  S7328A
  
  Aye
  
  42
  
  Nay
  
  20
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  1
  
  Abstained
  
  0
  - - Floor Vote: Feb 4, 2026
      
      aye (42)
      
      Addabbo Jr.
      
      Bailey
      
      Baskin
      
      Bottcher
      
      Brisport
      
      Bynoe
      
      Cleare
      
      Comrie
      
      Cooney
      
      Fahy
      
      Fernandez
      
      Gianaris
      
      Gonzalez
      
      Gounardes
      
      Harckham
      
      Hinchey
      
      Jackson
      
      Kavanagh
      
      Krueger
      
      Lanza
      
      Liu
      
      Martinez
      
      May
      
      Mayer
      
      Myrie
      
      Palumbo
      
      Parker
      
      Persaud
      
      Ramos
      
      Rivera
      
      Ryan
      
      Salazar
      
      Sanders Jr.
      
      Scarcella-Spanton
      
      Sepúlveda
      
      Serrano
      
      Skoufis
      
      Stavisky
      
      Stewart-Cousins
      
      Sutton
      
      Webb
      
      Zellner
      
      nay (20)
      
      Ashby
      
      Borrello
      
      Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick
      
      Chan
      
      Gallivan
      
      Griffo
      
      Helming
      
      Martins
      
      Mattera
      
      Murray
      
      O'Mara
      
      Oberacker
      
      Ortt
      
      Rhoads
      
      Rolison
      
      Stec
      
      Tedisco
      
      Walczyk
      
      Weber
      
      Weik
      
      excused (1)
      
      Brouk
  Jun 5, 2025 - Floor Vote
  S7328A
  
  Aye
  
  40
  
  Nay
  
  20
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  3
  
  Abstained
  
  0
  - - Floor Vote: Jun 5, 2025
      
      aye (40)
      
      Addabbo Jr.
      
      Bailey
      
      Baskin
      
      Brisport
      
      Brouk
      
      Bynoe
      
      Cleare
      
      Comrie
      
      Cooney
      
      Fahy
      
      Fernandez
      
      Gianaris
      
      Gonzalez
      
      Gounardes
      
      Harckham
      
      Hinchey
      
      Hoylman-Sigal
      
      Jackson
      
      Kavanagh
      
      Krueger
      
      Liu
      
      Martinez
      
      May
      
      Mayer
      
      Myrie
      
      Palumbo
      
      Parker
      
      Persaud
      
      Rivera
      
      Ryan
      
      Salazar
      
      Sanders Jr.
      
      Scarcella-Spanton
      
      Sepúlveda
      
      Serrano
      
      Skoufis
      
      Stavisky
      
      Stewart-Cousins
      
      Sutton
      
      Webb
      
      nay (20)
      
      Ashby
      
      Borrello
      
      Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick
      
      Chan
      
      Gallivan
      
      Griffo
      
      Helming
      
      Lanza
      
      Martins
      
      Mattera
      
      Murray
      
      O'Mara
      
      Ortt
      
      Rhoads
      
      Rolison
      
      Stec
      
      Tedisco
      
      Walczyk
      
      Weber
      
      Weik
      
      excused (3)
      
      Oberacker
      
      Ramos
      
      Ryan
      
      The following Member(s) participated via videoconferencing: Brouk
  Jan 27, 2026 - Rules Committee Vote
  S7328A
  
  Aye
  
  14
  
  Nay
  
  5
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  1
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  
  0
  - - Rules Committee Vote: Jan 27, 2026
      
      aye (14)
      
      Addabbo Jr.
      
      Bailey
      
      Comrie
      
      Fernandez
      
      Gianaris
      
      Harckham
      
      Krueger
      
      Liu
      
      Mayer
      
      Myrie
      
      Ortt
      
      Parker
      
      Sepúlveda
      
      Stewart-Cousins
      
      nay (5)
      
      Gallivan
      
      Helming
      
      Lanza
      
      O'Mara
      
      Stec
      
      aye wr (1)
      
      Griffo
  Jan 12, 2026 - Rules Committee Vote
  S7328A
  
  Aye
  
  14
  
  Nay
  
  5
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  1
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  
  0
  - - Rules Committee Vote: Jan 12, 2026
      
      aye (14)
      
      Addabbo Jr.
      
      Bailey
      
      Comrie
      
      Fernandez
      
      Gianaris
      
      Harckham
      
      Krueger
      
      Liu
      
      Mayer
      
      Myrie
      
      Ortt
      
      Parker
      
      Sepúlveda
      
      Stewart-Cousins
      
      nay (5)
      
      Gallivan
      
      Helming
      
      Lanza
      
      O'Mara
      
      Stec
      
      aye wr (1)
      
      Griffo
  Jan 27, 2026 - Energy And Telecommunications Committee Vote
  S7328A
  
  Aye
  
  6
  
  Nay
  
  3
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  0
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  
  0
  - - Energy And Telecommunications Committee Vote: Jan 27, 2026
      
      aye (6)
      
      Gonzalez
      
      Hinchey
      
      Kavanagh
      
      May
      
      Parker
      
      Ryan
      
      nay (3)
      
      Mattera
      
      O'Mara
      
      Walczyk
  May 13, 2025 - Energy And Telecommunications Committee Vote
  S7328A
  
  Aye
  
  6
  
  Nay
  
  3
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  0
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  
  0
  - - Energy And Telecommunications Committee Vote: May 13, 2025
      
      aye (6)
      
      Gonzalez
      
      Hinchey
      
      Kavanagh
      
      May
      
      Parker
      
      Ryan
      
      nay (3)
      
      Mattera
      
      O'Mara
      
      Walczyk

Bill Amendments

Original

B (Active)

2025-S7328 - Details

Current Committee:: Assembly Corporations, Authorities And Commissions
Law Section:: Public Service Law
Laws Affected:: Amd §§4 & 9, Pub Serv L

2025-S7328 - Summary

Relates to the appointment and responsibilities of the commissioners of the public service commission; requires the commission to have a duty to protect public interest, including ensuring access to utility services for residential and business customers; prohibits commissioners from having been employed within the last two years by an electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, or water utility that is regulated by the commission.

2025-S7328 - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S7328

SPONSOR: HINCHEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to the commissioners
of the public service commission

 
PURPOSE:

To expand the number of PSC commissioners to 9, require an additional
consumer advocate and a labor representative to be on the commission, to
codify the commission's duty to protect the public interest and to
consumers, and to prohibit a former employee of a utility from serving
as a commissioner for two years following their departure from such
utility.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section one amends section four of the public service law to:

*Expand the PSC to nine commissioners

*Require that at least two commissioners have utility consumer advocacy
experience

*Require that at Least one commissioner has organized labor experience

*Require that the Governor make appointments to increase the diversity
of experience of the commissioners.

This section also expands the fields that commissioners are required to
have experience in to include organized labor.

Section one also adds a new paragraph four codifying the PSC's duty to
ensure affordable, safe, secure and reliable access to utility services
for residents and businesses and that PSC shall, in making its deci-
sions, prioritize the best interests of the utility consumer and afford-
ability for the utility consumer.

Section two amends section nine of the public service law to prohibit
someone from being appointed as a commissioner if they were employed by
a utility in the last two years.

Section three states the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is charged with regulating utilities
in New York including determining rates they can charge and ensuring
utilities provide adequate service. Their scope is sweeping covering
electricity, gas, steam, water and telecommunications. In order to meet
its mandate, the PSC must have commissioners representing a variety of
stakeholders. It must also be statutorily clear that the PSC is, first
and foremost, accountable to the public, not the utility companies and
that its core mission is to ensure that New Yorkers have affordable,
safe, and reliable access to utility services. This includes acting and
ruling in the best interests of ratepayers while ensuring affordable
rates for all consumers.
This legislation would bring the PSC more in line with serving the
interests of ratepayers in several ways:

First, it would require the appointment of two additional commissioners,
bringing the total to 9, with one designated as a second utility consum-
er advocate (up from one in current law) and the second being a repre-
sentative from organized labor.

Second, the bill requires that, as commissioner spots become available
on the PSC, the Governor make appointments that will ensure varied expe-
rience in as many of the statutorily listed related fields, as possible.

Third, the bill codifies the PSC's duty to ensure affordable, safe,
secure and reliable access to utility services for residents and busi-
nesses, while protecting the natural environment in a way that is
consistent with the state's climate goals and with a priority on the
best interests of and affordability for utility consumers.

Finally, this legislation would prohibit any employee of a utility regu-
lated by the commission from serving as a commissioner for two years
after the end of their employment, consistent with the legislature's
lobbying ban, to prevent regulatory capture and ensure the independence
of the commission,

Each of these reforms will help ensure that the PSC stands up for the
interests of ratepayers and prioritizes affordable rates for New Yorkers
during any rate case or PSC proceeding.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to state.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to any commis-
sioner appointed on or after such date.

2025-S7328 - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                   7328
 
                        2025-2026 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                              April 10, 2025
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sen. HINCHEY -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
   printed to be committed to the Committee on  Energy  and  Telecommuni-
   cations
 
 AN ACT to amend the public service law, in relation to the commissioners
   of the public service commission
 
   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1. Section 4 of the public service law, as amended by  chapter
 155  of the laws of 1970, subdivision 1 as amended by chapter 594 of the
 laws of 2021, and subdivision 4 as added by chapter 584 of the  laws  of
 2021, is amended to read as follows:
   § 4. The  public  service commission. 1. There shall be in the depart-
 ment of public service a public service commission, which shall  possess
 the  powers and duties hereinafter specified, and also all powers neces-
 sary or proper to enable it to carry out the purposes of  this  chapter.
 The  commission shall consist of [five] NINE members, to be appointed by
 the governor, by and with the  advice  and  consent  of  the  senate.  A
 commissioner  shall  be  designated  as  [chairman]  CHAIRPERSON  of the
 commission by the governor to serve in such capacity at the pleasure  of
 the governor or until [his] THEIR term as commissioner expires whichever
 first  occurs.  At least [one commissioner] TWO COMMISSIONERS shall have
 experience in utility consumer advocacy AND AT  LEAST  ONE  COMMISSIONER
 SHALL  HAVE  ORGANIZED  LABOR EXPERIENCE. FOR EACH NEW COMMISSIONER, THE
 GOVERNOR SHALL MAKE APPOINTMENTS TO REASONABLY ENSURE THAT  THE  COMMIS-
 SIONERS  REPRESENT THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF FIELDS SPECIFIED IN SUBDIVISION
 THREE OF THIS SECTION. No more than [three] FIVE  commissioners  may  be
 members  of  the  same political party [unless, pursuant to action taken
 under subdivision two of this section, the number of commissioners shall
 exceed five, and in such event no more than four  commissioners  may  be
 members of the same political party.

  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD11584-01-5
 S. 7328                             2

   2.  Notwithstanding  subdivision  one,  whenever  the commission shall
 certify to the governor that additional commissioners are needed for the
 proper disposition of the business before it, the governor may  increase
 the  membership  of  the  commission  to seven members by appointing two
 additional  commissioners  by  and  with  the  advice and consent of the
 senate. The terms of office of such  additional  commissioners  and  the
 filling  of vacancies during such terms shall be governed by subdivision
 three, except that upon the expiration of the terms of  such  additional
 commissioners,  no  further appointments or reappointments shall be made
 to such additional offices, unless the commission shall first certify to
 the governor that the need for  additional  commissioners  continues  to
 exist].
   [3.]  2.  The term of office of a commissioner shall be six years from
 the first day of February of  the  calendar  year  in  which  [he]  SUCH
 COMMISSIONER shall be appointed and commissioners shall serve on a full-
 time  basis.  Upon  a  vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of
 term in the office of any commissioner, the governor, by  and  with  the
 advice  and consent of the senate, shall fill the vacancy by appointment
 for the unexpired term.
   [4.] 3. Any commissioner appointed on or after July first,  two  thou-
 sand  twenty-two,  pursuant  to  this  section  shall have education and
 training, and three or more years of experience in one or  more  of  the
 following  fields:  economics[,]; engineering[,]; law[,]; accounting[,];
 business management[,]; utility regulation INCLUDING THE  REGULATION  OF
 ELECTRIC,   GAS,   STEAM,   TELECOMMUNICATIONS,   AND  WATER[,];  public
 policy[,]; consumer advocacy; ORGANIZED LABOR; or environmental  manage-
 ment.
   4. IN CARRYING OUT ITS POWERS AND DUTIES PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER, THE
 COMMISSION  SHALL HAVE A DUTY TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC INTEREST.  SUCH DUTY
 SHALL INCLUDE ENSURING AFFORDABLE, SAFE, SECURE, AND RELIABLE ACCESS  TO
 UTILITY SERVICES FOR RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS CUSTOMERS, INCLUDING ELEC-
 TRIC,  GAS,  STEAM,  TELECOMMUNICATIONS, AND WATER, WHILE PROTECTING THE
 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE'S  GOALS  TO  ADDRESS  THE
 CLIMATE  CRISIS  PURSUANT  TO  ARTICLE SEVENTY-FIVE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL
 CONSERVATION LAW.  DETERMINATIONS MADE OR ACTIONS TAKEN BY  THE  COMMIS-
 SION  IN  CARRYING OUT ITS DUTIES SHALL PRIORITIZE THE BEST INTERESTS OF
 THE UTILITY CONSUMER AND AFFORDABILITY FOR THE UTILITY CONSUMER.
   § 2. Section 9 of the public service law, as amended by chapter 155 of
 the laws of 1970, is amended to read as follows:
   § 9. Oath of office; eligibility of commissioners and officers.   Each
 commissioner  and  each  person  appointed  to  office by the [chairman]
 CHAIRPERSON shall, before  entering  upon  the  duties  of  [his]  THEIR
 office,  take and subscribe the constitutional oath of office. The oaths
 of office other than those of a  commissioner  shall  be  filed  in  the
 office of the commission. No person shall be eligible for appointment or
 shall  hold  the office of commissioner or be appointed to, or hold, any
 office or position under the commission, who holds any official relation
 to any person or corporation subject to the supervision of  the  commis-
 sion,  or  who  owns  stocks or bonds of any such corporation. NO PERSON
 SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR APPOINTMENT OR SHALL HOLD THE  OFFICE  OF  COMMIS-
 SIONER  IF  IN THE PREVIOUS TWO YEARS THEY WERE EMPLOYED BY AN ELECTRIC,
 GAS, STEAM, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, OR WATER UTILITY THAT  IS  REGULATED  BY
 THE COMMISSION.
   §  3.  This  act  shall take effect immediately and shall apply to any
 commissioner appointed on or after such date.

co-Sponsors

2025-S7328A - Details

Current Committee:: Assembly Corporations, Authorities And Commissions
Law Section:: Public Service Law
Laws Affected:: Amd §§4 & 9, Pub Serv L

2025-S7328A - Summary

2025-S7328A - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S7328A

SPONSOR: HINCHEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to the commissioners
of the public service commission

 
PURPOSE:

To expand the number of PSC commissioners to 9, require an additional
consumer advocate and a tabor representative to be on the commission, to
codify the commission's duty to protect the public interest and to
consumers, and to prohibit a former employee of a utility from serving
as a commissioner for two years following their departure from such
utility.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section one amends section four of the public service law to: *Expand
the PSC to eight commissioners

*Require that at least two commissioners have utility consumer advocacy
experience

*Require that the Governor make appointments to increase the diversity
of experience of the commissioners.

Section one also adds a new paragraph four codifying the PSC's duty to
ensure affordable, safe, secure and reliable access to utility services
for residents and businesses and that PSC shall, in making its deci-
sions, prioritize the best interests of the utility consumer and afford-
ability for the utility consumer.

Section two amends section nine of the public service law to prohibit
someone from being appointed as a commissioner if they were employed by
a utility in the last two years.

Section three states the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is charged with regulating utilities
in New York including determining rates they can charge and ensuring
utilities provide adequate service. Their scope is sweeping covering
electricity, gas, steam, water and telecommunications. In order to meet
its mandate, the PSC must have commissioners representing a variety of
stakeholders. It must also be statutorily clear that the PSC is, first
and foremost, accountable to the public, not the utility companies and
that its core mission is to ensure that New Yorkers have affordable,
safe, and reliable access to utility services. This includes acting and
ruling in the best interests of ratepayers while ensuring affordable
rates for all consumers.

This legislation would bring the PSC more in line with serving the
interests of ratepayers in several ways:



First, it would require the appointment of an additional commissioner,
bringing the total to 8, with one designated as a second utility consum-
er advocate (up from one in current law).

Second, the bill requires that, as commissioner spots become available
on the PSC, the Governor make appointments that will ensure varied expe-
rience in as many of the statutorily listed related fields, as possible.

Third, the bill codifies the PSC's duty to ensure affordable, safe,
secure and reliable access to utility services for residents and busi-
nesses, with a priority on the best interests of and affordability for
utility consumers.

Finally, this legislation would prohibit any employee of a utility regu-
lated by the commission from serving as a commissioner for two years
after the end of their employment, consistent with the legislature's
lobbying ban, to prevent regulatory capture and ensure the independence
of the commission,

Each of these reforms will help ensure that the PSC stands up for the
interests of ratepayers and prioritizes affordable rates for New Yorkers
during any rate case or PSC proceeding.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to state.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to any commis-
sioner appointed on or after such date.

2025-S7328A - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  7328--A
     Cal. No. 1100
 
                        2025-2026 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                              April 10, 2025
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sen. HINCHEY -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
   printed to be committed to the Committee on  Energy  and  Telecommuni-
   cations  --  reported  favorably from said committee, ordered to first
   and second report, ordered to a third  reading,  amended  and  ordered
   reprinted, retaining its place in the order of third reading
 
 AN ACT to amend the public service law, in relation to the commissioners
   of the public service commission
 
   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1. Section 4 of the public service law, as amended by  chapter
 155  of the laws of 1970, subdivision 1 as amended by chapter 594 of the
 laws of 2021, and subdivision 4 as added by chapter 584 of the  laws  of
 2021, is amended to read as follows:
   § 4. The  public  service commission. 1. There shall be in the depart-
 ment of public service a public service commission, which shall  possess
 the  powers and duties hereinafter specified, and also all powers neces-
 sary or proper to enable it to carry out the purposes of  this  chapter.
 The commission shall consist of [five] EIGHT members, to be appointed by
 the  governor,  by  and  with  the  advice  and consent of the senate. A
 commissioner shall  be  designated  as  [chairman]  CHAIRPERSON  of  the
 commission  by the governor to serve in such capacity at the pleasure of
 the governor or until [his] THEIR term as commissioner expires whichever
 first occurs. At least [one commissioner] TWO COMMISSIONERS  shall  have
 experience  in utility consumer advocacy. FOR EACH NEW COMMISSIONER, THE
 GOVERNOR SHALL MAKE APPOINTMENTS TO REASONABLY ENSURE THAT  THE  COMMIS-
 SIONERS  REPRESENT THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF FIELDS SPECIFIED IN SUBDIVISION
 THREE OF THIS SECTION. No more than [three] FIVE  commissioners  may  be
 members  of  the  same political party [unless, pursuant to action taken
 under subdivision two of this section, the number of commissioners shall
 exceed five, and in such event no more than four  commissioners  may  be
 members of the same political party.

  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.

                                                            LBD11584-04-5
 S. 7328--A                          2

   2.  Notwithstanding  subdivision  one,  whenever  the commission shall
 certify to the governor that additional commissioners are needed for the
 proper disposition of the business before it, the governor may  increase
 the  membership  of  the  commission  to seven members by appointing two
 additional  commissioners  by  and  with  the  advice and consent of the
 senate. The terms of office of such  additional  commissioners  and  the
 filling  of vacancies during such terms shall be governed by subdivision
 three, except that upon the expiration of the terms of  such  additional
 commissioners,  no  further appointments or reappointments shall be made
 to such additional offices, unless the commission shall first certify to
 the governor that the need for  additional  commissioners  continues  to
 exist].
   [3.]  2.  The term of office of a commissioner shall be six years from
 the first day of February of  the  calendar  year  in  which  [he]  SUCH
 COMMISSIONER shall be appointed and commissioners shall serve on a full-
 time  basis.  Upon  a  vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of
 term in the office of any commissioner, the governor, by  and  with  the
 advice  and consent of the senate, shall fill the vacancy by appointment
 for the unexpired term.
   [4.] 3. Any commissioner appointed on or after July first,  two  thou-
 sand  twenty-two,  pursuant  to  this  section  shall have education and
 training, and three or more years of experience in one or  more  of  the
 following  fields:  economics[,]; engineering[,]; law[,]; accounting[,];
 business management[,]; utility regulation[,] INCLUDING  THE  REGULATION
 OF   ELECTRIC,   GAS,   STEAM,  TELECOMMUNICATIONS,  AND  WATER;  public
 policy[,]; consumer advocacy; or environmental management.
   4. IN CARRYING OUT ITS POWERS AND DUTIES PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER, THE
 COMMISSION SHALL HAVE A DUTY TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC INTEREST.  SUCH  DUTY
 SHALL  INCLUDE ENSURING AFFORDABLE, SAFE, SECURE, AND RELIABLE ACCESS TO
 UTILITY SERVICES FOR RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS CUSTOMERS, INCLUDING ELEC-
 TRIC, GAS, STEAM, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, AND WATER.  DETERMINATIONS MADE OR
 ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE COMMISSION IN CARRYING OUT ITS DUTIES SHALL  PRIOR-
 ITIZE  THE  BEST INTERESTS OF THE UTILITY CONSUMER AND AFFORDABILITY FOR
 THE UTILITY CONSUMER.
   § 2. Section 9 of the public service law, as amended by chapter 155 of
 the laws of 1970, is amended to read as follows:
   § 9. Oath of office; eligibility of commissioners and officers.   Each
 commissioner  and  each  person  appointed  to  office by the [chairman]
 CHAIRPERSON shall, before  entering  upon  the  duties  of  [his]  THEIR
 office,  take and subscribe the constitutional oath of office. The oaths
 of office other than those of a  commissioner  shall  be  filed  in  the
 office of the commission. No person shall be eligible for appointment or
 shall  hold  the office of commissioner or be appointed to, or hold, any
 office or position under the commission, who holds any official relation
 to any person or corporation subject to the supervision of  the  commis-
 sion,  or  who  owns  stocks or bonds of any such corporation. NO PERSON
 SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR APPOINTMENT OR SHALL HOLD THE  OFFICE  OF  COMMIS-
 SIONER  IF  IN THE PREVIOUS TWO YEARS THEY WERE EMPLOYED BY AN ELECTRIC,
 GAS, STEAM, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, OR WATER UTILITY THAT  IS  REGULATED  BY
 THE COMMISSION.
   §  3.  This  act  shall take effect immediately and shall apply to any
 commissioner appointed on or after such date.

co-Sponsors

2025-S7328B (ACTIVE) - Details

Current Committee:: Assembly Corporations, Authorities And Commissions
Law Section:: Public Service Law
Laws Affected:: Amd §§4 & 9, Pub Serv L

2025-S7328B (ACTIVE) - Summary

2025-S7328B (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S7328B

SPONSOR: HINCHEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to the commissioners
of the public service commission

 
PURPOSE:

To require an additional consumer advocate to be on the commission, to
codify the commission's duty to protect the public interest and to
consumers, and to prohibit a former employee of a utility from serving
as a commissioner for two years following their departure from such
utility.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section one amends section four of the public service law to:

*Require that at least two commissioners have utility consumer advocacy
experience

*Require that the Governor make appointments to increase the diversity
of the experience of the commissioners.

Section one also adds a new paragraph four codifying the PSC's duty to
ensure affordable, safe, secure, and reliable access to utility services
for residents and businesses, and that PSC shall, in making its deci-
sions, prioritize the best interests of the utility consumer and afford-
ability for the utility consumer.

Section two amends section nine of the public service law to prohibit
someone from being appointed as a commissioner if they were employed by
a utility in the last two years. Section three states the effective
date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is charged with regulating utilities
in New York, including determining rates they can charge and ensuring
utilities provide adequate service. Their scope is sweeping, covering
electricity, gas, steam, water, and telecommunications. To meet its
mandate, the PSC must have commissioners representing a range of stake-
holders. It must also be statutorily clear that the PSC is, first and
foremost, accountable to the public, not the utility companies, and that
its core mission is to ensure that New Yorkers have affordable, safe,
and reliable access to utility services. This includes acting and ruling
in the best interests of ratepayers while ensuring affordable rates for
all consumers.

This legislation would bring the PSC more in line with serving the
interests of ratepayers in several ways:

First, it would require that a second commissioner have a utility
consumer advocate background (up from one in current law).



Second, the bill requires that, as commissioner spots become available
on the PSC, the Governor make appointments that will ensure varied expe-
rience in as many of the statutorily listed related fields as possible.

Third, the bill codifies the PSC's duty to ensure affordable, safe,
secure, and reliable access to utility services for residents and busi-
nesses, with a priority on the best interests of and affordability for
utility consumers.

Finally, this legislation would prohibit any employee of a utility regu-
lated by the commission from serving as a commissioner for two years
after the end of their employment, consistent with the legislature's
lobbying ban, to prevent regulatory capture and ensure the independence
of the commission.

Each of these reforms will help ensure that the PSC stands up for rate-
payers' interests and prioritizes affordable rates for New Yorkers in
any rate case or PSC proceeding.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to state.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to any commis-
sioner appointed on or after such date.

2025-S7328B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  7328--B
     Cal. No. 147
 
                        2025-2026 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                              April 10, 2025
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sens.  HINCHEY,  BROUK,  JACKSON, WEBB -- read twice and
   ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee  on
   Energy  and Telecommunications -- reported favorably from said commit-
   tee, ordered to first and second report, ordered to a  third  reading,
   amended  and  ordered  reprinted,  retaining its place in the order of
   third reading -- recommitted to the Committee on Energy and Telecommu-
   nications in accordance with Senate Rule 6, sec. 8 -- reported favora-
   bly from said committee and committed to the  Committee  on  Rules  --
   reported  favorably  from  said committee, ordered to a third reading,
   passed by Senate and delivered to the Assembly, recalled, vote  recon-
   sidered,  restored  to  third  reading, amended and ordered reprinted,
   retaining its place in the order of third reading
 
 AN ACT to amend the public service law, in relation to the commissioners
   of the public service commission
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1. Section 4 of the public service law, as amended by chapter
 155 of the laws of 1970, subdivision 1 as amended by chapter 594 of  the
 laws  of  2021, and subdivision 4 as added by chapter 584 of the laws of
 2021, is amended to read as follows:
   § 4. The public service commission. 1. There shall be in  the  depart-
 ment  of public service a public service commission, which shall possess
 the powers and duties hereinafter specified, and also all powers  neces-
 sary  or  proper to enable it to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
 The commission shall consist of five members, to  be  appointed  by  the
 governor,  by  and  with the advice and consent of the senate. A commis-
 sioner shall be designated as [chairman] CHAIRPERSON of  the  commission
 by  the governor to serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the gover-
 nor or until [his] THEIR term as commissioner  expires  whichever  first
 occurs. At least [one commissioner] TWO COMMISSIONERS shall have experi-
 ence in utility consumer advocacy. FOR EACH NEW COMMISSIONER, THE GOVER-
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.

                                                            LBD11584-08-6
 S. 7328--B                          2
 
 NOR  SHALL MAKE APPOINTMENTS TO REASONABLY ENSURE THAT THE COMMISSIONERS
 REPRESENT THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF FIELDS SPECIFIED IN SUBDIVISION FOUR  OF
 THIS  SECTION.  No  more  than three commissioners may be members of the
 same  political party unless, pursuant to action taken under subdivision
 two of this section, the number of commissioners shall exceed five,  and
 in such event no more than four commissioners may be members of the same
 political party.
   2.  Notwithstanding  subdivision  one  OF  THIS  SECTION, whenever the
 commission shall certify to the governor that  additional  commissioners
 are  needed  for  the  proper disposition of the business before it, the
 governor may increase the membership of the commission to seven  members
 by  appointing  two  additional commissioners by and with the advice and
 consent of the senate. The terms of office of  such  additional  commis-
 sioners and the filling of vacancies during such terms shall be governed
 by subdivision three OF THIS SECTION, except that upon the expiration of
 the  terms  of such additional commissioners, no further appointments or
 reappointments shall be made to  such  additional  offices,  unless  the
 commission  shall  first certify to the governor that the need for addi-
 tional commissioners continues to exist.
   3. The term of office of a commissioner shall be six  years  from  the
 first  day  of  February of the calendar year in which [he] SUCH COMMIS-
 SIONER shall be appointed and commissioners shall serve on  a  full-time
 basis.  Upon a vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of term in
 the office of any commissioner, the governor, by and with the advice and
 consent of the senate, shall fill the vacancy  by  appointment  for  the
 unexpired term.
   4.  Any  commissioner  appointed  on or after July first, two thousand
 twenty-two, pursuant to this section shall have education and  training,
 and  three  or  more years of experience in one or more of the following
 fields: economics[,]; engineering[,];  law[,];  accounting[,];  business
 management[,];  utility  regulation[,] INCLUDING THE REGULATION OF ELEC-
 TRIC, GAS,  STEAM,  TELECOMMUNICATIONS,  AND  WATER;  public  policy[,];
 consumer advocacy; or environmental management.
   5. IN CARRYING OUT ITS POWERS AND DUTIES PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER, THE
 COMMISSION  SHALL HAVE A DUTY TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC INTEREST.  SUCH DUTY
 SHALL INCLUDE ENSURING AFFORDABLE, SAFE, SECURE, AND RELIABLE ACCESS  TO
 UTILITY SERVICES FOR RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS CUSTOMERS, INCLUDING ELEC-
 TRIC, GAS, STEAM, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, AND WATER.  DETERMINATIONS MADE OR
 ACTIONS  TAKEN BY THE COMMISSION IN CARRYING OUT ITS DUTIES SHALL PRIOR-
 ITIZE THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE UTILITY CONSUMER AND  AFFORDABILITY  FOR
 THE UTILITY CONSUMER.
   § 2. Section 9 of the public service law, as amended by chapter 155 of
 the laws of 1970, is amended to read as follows:
   § 9. Oath  of office; eligibility of commissioners and officers.  Each
 commissioner and each person  appointed  to  office  by  the  [chairman]
 CHAIRPERSON  shall,  before  entering  upon  the  duties  of [his] THEIR
 office, take and subscribe the constitutional oath of office. The  oaths
 of  office  other  than  those  of  a commissioner shall be filed in the
 office of the commission. No person shall be eligible for appointment or
 shall hold the office of commissioner or be appointed to, or  hold,  any
 office or position under the commission, who holds any official relation
 to  any  person or corporation subject to the supervision of the commis-
 sion, or who owns stocks or bonds of any  such  corporation.  NO  PERSON
 SHALL  BE  ELIGIBLE  FOR APPOINTMENT OR SHALL HOLD THE OFFICE OF COMMIS-
 SIONER IF IN THE PREVIOUS TWO YEARS THEY WERE EMPLOYED BY  AN  ELECTRIC,
 S. 7328--B                          3
 
 GAS,  STEAM,  TELECOMMUNICATIONS,  OR WATER UTILITY THAT IS REGULATED BY
 THE COMMISSION.
   §  3.  This  act  shall take effect immediately and shall apply to any
 commissioner appointed on or after such date.

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Senate Bill S7328A

Sponsored By

Current Bill Status - In Assembly Committee

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May 18, 2026 - Floor Vote

Floor Vote: May 18, 2026

Feb 4, 2026 - Floor Vote

Floor Vote: Feb 4, 2026

Jun 5, 2025 - Floor Vote

Floor Vote: Jun 5, 2025

Jan 27, 2026 - Rules Committee Vote

Rules Committee Vote: Jan 27, 2026

Jan 12, 2026 - Rules Committee Vote

Rules Committee Vote: Jan 12, 2026

Jan 27, 2026 - Energy And Telecommunications Committee Vote

Energy And Telecommunications Committee Vote: Jan 27, 2026

May 13, 2025 - Energy And Telecommunications Committee Vote

Energy And Telecommunications Committee Vote: May 13, 2025

Bill Amendments

2025-S7328 - Details

2025-S7328 - Summary

2025-S7328 - Sponsor Memo

2025-S7328 - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2025-S7328A - Details

2025-S7328A - Summary

2025-S7328A - Sponsor Memo

2025-S7328A - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2025-S7328B (ACTIVE) - Details

2025-S7328B (ACTIVE) - Summary

2025-S7328B (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2025-S7328B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments

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Sponsored By

Michelle Hinchey

Current Bill Status - In Assembly Committee

Actions

Votes

Bill Amendments

2025-S7328 - Details

2025-S7328 - Summary

2025-S7328 - Sponsor Memo

2025-S7328 - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

Samra G. Brouk

Robert Jackson

Lea Webb

2025-S7328A - Details

2025-S7328A - Summary

2025-S7328A - Sponsor Memo

2025-S7328A - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

Samra G. Brouk

Robert Jackson

Lea Webb

2025-S7328B (ACTIVE) - Details

2025-S7328B (ACTIVE) - Summary

2025-S7328B (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2025-S7328B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments