An Act To Amend Title 26 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Public Service Commission.
Summary
HB308 amends Title 26 of the Delaware Code to require that meetings of the Public Service Commission be made available to the public through livestream broadcast. The livestream must include both audio and video and must allow the public to hear all participants contemporaneously. The bill also requires that Commission meetings provide an opportunity for virtual public comment.
In practical terms, the bill updates the Commission’s meeting procedures to expand remote access and participation. It does not change the Commission’s substantive regulatory authority over utilities or other public service matters; instead, it focuses on transparency, accessibility, and public engagement in Commission proceedings.
Impact
The bill adds new requirements to Section 106 of Title 26 governing the Public Service Commission’s meetings. If enacted, the Commission would need to ensure its meetings are livestreamed with audio and video and that virtual public comment is available, which may require technology, staffing, and procedural changes. The affected parties are the Public Service Commission, utilities and other regulated entities appearing before it, and members of the public who want to observe or comment remotely.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests strong support for the bill, with the House passing third reading unanimously by a 40-0 vote. No committee transcript was provided, so there is no recorded debate to indicate opposition or divided views. Overall, the bill appears to have been viewed favorably as a transparency and access measure.
Contention
There is no documented contention in the provided materials, but the main policy issue implied by the bill is whether the Public Service Commission should be required to provide remote access and virtual comment as a matter of law. Potential concerns could include administrative burden, technology costs, and meeting-management logistics, while supporters would likely emphasize public access, transparency, and broader participation in utility regulation.