The House and Senate were in Session Monday through Friday of this week. Both Chambers canceled their scheduled Saturday and Sunday Session but will return to Springfield on Monday.
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The Energy Industry spent most of this week opposing the Attorney General’s proposals to alter energy utility and supplier regulations. House Amendment #3 to SB 1531 (Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago) would put significant burdens on natural gas and electric utilities as well as suppliers. The proposal would force utilities to dramatically alter their credit and collections programs, adding significant costs to ratepayers. Energy suppliers would face significant new regulations and restrictions that could cripple retail competition. The amendment was assigned to the House Executive Committee but was never called.
The Attorney General has proposed amendment #4 to SB 1531 (Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago) which would remove the utility provisions, leaving in place the provisions for energy suppliers. Amendment #3 has been posted for the House Executive Committee on next Tuesday. Amendment #4 has not been posted at this time, but only requires a one hour posting notice.
The Attorney General’s office has indicated that they are continuing to look for a bill to amend their utility credit and collections proposals onto. The Energy Association will continue to oppose these proposals as we work towards the end of Session next week.
The Senate Executive Appointments Committee is scheduled to meet next Monday. There are two appointments for the Illinois Commerce Commission that are posted for that hearing.
When the House and Senate return to Springfield on Monday, they are likely to stay in Session until Thursday, which is the scheduled adjournment day for Spring Session.
The issue that will likely dominate the remainder of Session will be the budget for 2019. There is no clear sign that a bipartisan budget agreement can be forged by the end of May. If no agreement is reached the Legislature may need to schedule Session days this Summer.
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