S9932 — Relates to administrative law judges overseeing the process certain policy proceedings

Summary

Requires the department of public service to assign an administrative law judge to oversee the process in policy proceedings before the public service commission; provides that the department of public service shall be considered a party in policy proceedings.

Bill Text

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Compared against the New York Consolidated Laws as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

This bill amends 1 section(s) of the New York Consolidated Laws: Section 66 of the public service law.

• Section 66 of the public service law

  33. (a) In regard to existing policy proceedings, and upon issuance of a commission order instituting a new policy proceeding, the department shall assign an administrative law judge or judges who have received training in mediation and facilitation from an organization certified to provide such training to oversee the procedural aspects of the proceed- ing. The process administrative law judge or judges shall preside over all activities within the proceeding for the purpose of ensuring an orderly, fair, and efficient process by establishing structure for meet- ings, technical conferences, discussions, and filings, reducing imped- iments to participation, and encouraging open communication. Among the tasks performed by the judge or judges are coordinating scheduling, resolving discovery disputes, and facilitating all meetings, technical conferences, and discussions. At the request of any party, the judge or judges may function as a mediator in regard to a particular topic unless another party that is concerned about the same topic objects. (b) The department shall be considered a party in policy proceedings. All parties in policy proceedings shall be subject to discovery pursuant to the department's rules and regulations. (c) As used in this subdivision, the following terms shall have the following meanings: (i) "Process administrative law judge" or "judge" shall mean an admin- istrative law judge assigned by the department to oversee procedural activities in policy proceedings. italics (ii) "Policy proceeding" shall mean any proceeding other than utility rate proceedings assigned a case number or matter number involving elec- tricity, gas, steam, or water system planning, industry-wide aspects of the provision or furnishing of electricity, gas, steam, or water, or that may have an impact on industry-wide customer service or affordabil- ity. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the term "policy proceed- ing" shall not include commission inquiries triggered by an individual customer complaint filed pursuant to section forty-three of this arti- cle. (iii) "Party" shall mean any party to a commission policy proceeding.

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Action History

1. April 16, 2026

   REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Sponsors

• Leroy Comrie · Primary

Subjects