S7328A

The New York State Senate passed legislation (S7328A) amending the Public Service Law with a 42-20 vote, advancing consumer protections in utility rate regulation. Sponsored by Sen. Hinchey, the bill makes three key changes to the Public Service Commission: it codifies affordability as a statutory mandate in rate cases alongside existing requirements for public safety and performance; adds a second consumer advocate to the PSC board to strengthen consumer representation; and implements a two-year lobbying ban for PSC commissioners hired from regulated utility industries. Hinchey argued the measure directly addresses concerns raised by colleagues about PSC commissioner structure and the revolving door between industry and regulation. The bill takes effect immediately. Twenty senators, primarily Republicans, voted against the measure.

The Senate passed legislation amending the Public Service Law on a 40-20 vote. Senate Print 7328A, sponsored by Sen. Hinchey, received support from a Democratic majority while Republicans opposed the measure. The bill, which takes effect immediately, advanced without floor debate. The measure received 40 affirmative votes and 20 negative votes, with all opposition coming from Senators Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik.