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AlabamaHB4752026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Public Service Commission; number of commissioners expanded to represent congressional districts, phase-in by election provided, term of office revised, position of Secretary of Energy established as cabinet member, calculation of electric utility rates revised; rate hearings authorized

Sponsored By: Mack Butler (Republican)

Enacted

Telecommunications & Utilities

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Job protection for utility commission employees

The law protects certain Alabama Public Service Commission employees' jobs during the leadership change. Covered employees must have been unclassified, employed on June 1, 2026, and appointed by a commissioner. Their employment continues regardless of the appointing authority. The Secretary of Energy must work with the State Personnel Board to move these employees into classified service.

Alabama elects utility commissioners by district

Beginning June 1, 2026, the law expands Alabama's Public Service Commission from three statewide members to seven district members. Districts follow the 2024 congressional map. Commissioners must have lived in Alabama for seven years before taking office and remain state residents. The Governor must appoint four commissioners by July 15, 2026, for service beginning January 18, 2027. Two receive two-year terms and two receive four-year terms. Elections phase in during November 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032, completing elected representation for all seven districts in January 2033. Commissioners elected after June 1, 2026, serve six-year terms starting in January after the election. Current commissioners whose terms end after the November 2026 election continue until January 18, 2027.

Stronger conflict rules for energy officials

Beginning June 1, 2026, Alabama utility commissioners and the Secretary of Energy must follow state ethics laws. Commissioners, the secretary, their spouses and children, and commission employees cannot provide paid services to public utilities. That ban also covers services provided through a partner or agent. Utilities regulated by the commission cannot contribute to candidates for utility commissioner. Commissioners also cannot accept extra pay to represent anyone before the Legislature or a state executive department or agency.

New cabinet secretary directs utility regulation

Beginning January 19, 2027, Alabama has a Secretary of Energy in the Governor's cabinet. The Governor appoints the secretary, sets the salary, and may remove the secretary. The secretary must have experience in utility regulation, energy policy, or a related field. The secretary directs commission work, sets meeting agendas, and controls personnel and administrative functions. At least five commissioners can amend an agenda. Commission staff are employed under the state Merit System. Hiring or firing special counsel or attorneys requires the Governor's approval.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mack Butler

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Arnold Mooney

    Republican • House

  • Ben Harrison

    Republican • House

  • Cindy Myrex

    Republican • House

  • Ernie Yarbrough

    Republican • House

  • Mark Gidley

    Republican • House

  • Ritchie Whorton

    Republican • House

  • Shane Stringer

    Republican • House

  • Susan DuBose

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 648 • No: 60

Senate vote • 4/1/2026

Smitherman motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1028

Yes: 31 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/1/2026

Chambliss motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1027

Yes: 31 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/1/2026

Third Reading in Second House

Yes: 31 • No: 0

House vote • 4/1/2026

Butler motion to Non-Concur and Appoint Conference Committee- Smith to Table Motion

Yes: 68 • No: 31 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 4/1/2026

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 1029

Yes: 32 • No: 0

House vote • 4/1/2026

Smith motion to Concur in and Adopt Senate Amendment to HB475

Yes: 72 • No: 26 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/17/2026

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 944

Yes: 104 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/17/2026

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 943

Yes: 81 • No: 3 • Other: 19

House vote • 3/17/2026

Third Reading in House of Origin

Yes: 95 • No: 0 • Other: 8

House vote • 3/17/2026

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 942

Yes: 103 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Enacted

    4/3/2026House

  2. Signature Requested

    4/2/2026Senate

  3. Delivered to Governor

    4/2/2026House

  4. Third Reading in Second House

    4/1/2026Senate

  5. Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development 1st Substitute Offered

    4/1/2026Senate

  6. Chambliss motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1027

    4/1/2026Senate

  7. Smitherman 1st Amendment Offered

    4/1/2026Senate

  8. Smitherman motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1028

    4/1/2026Senate

  9. Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 1029

    4/1/2026Senate

  10. Butler motion to Non-Concur and Appoint Conference Committee- Smith to Table Motion

    4/1/2026House

  11. Smith motion to Concur in and Adopt Senate Amendment to HB475

    4/1/2026House

  12. Ready to Enroll

    4/1/2026House

  13. Enrolled

    4/1/2026House

  14. Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development 1st Substitute

    3/31/2026Senate

  15. Reported Out of Committee Second House

    3/31/2026Senate

  16. Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar

    3/31/2026Senate

  17. Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development

    3/19/2026Senate

  18. Pending Committee Action in Second House

    3/19/2026Senate

  19. Third Reading in House of Origin

    3/17/2026House

  20. Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure 1st Substitute Offered

    3/17/2026House

  21. Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 942

    3/17/2026House

  22. Brown 1st Amendment Offered

    3/17/2026House

  23. Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 943

    3/17/2026House

  24. Robbins 1st Amendment Offered

    3/17/2026House

  25. Robbins 2nd Amendment Offered

    3/17/2026House

Bill Text

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