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Fasano Proposes Tougher Sanctions on Utility Regulators

By Trimmel Gomes

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-884394.mp3

Tallahassee, FL – A Senate proposal to tighten ethics requirements over the agency that regulates Florida's utilities will soon get tougher, thanks to a push by the agency itself. Public Service Commission officials are proposing even stricter guidelines when it comes to holding the agency accountable.

Senator Mike Fasano said he's been getting calls from members of the PSC, requesting that he put in place tougher sanctions. He says he appreciates their recommendations.

"We've agreed on a lot of new ideas that we are going to put into the bill next week."

At first, the New Port Richey Republican had a two-year employment ban on PSC commissioners and staff that would prevent them from lobbying and going to work for a utility. That will now be bumped up to four years. For those violating new rules on ex parte communication, not only will commissioners and direct staff face fines of up to five-thousand dollars, but the regulated company violating the rule would have to pay what could be one-percent of its annual operating revenue.

Senate President Jeff Atwater says Fasano's bill is on the fast track for passage in the first week of session.