MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Horne

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CREATE A JOINT STUDY COMMITTEE TO STUDY RESTRUCTURING OF THE ELECTRIC UTILITY INDUSTRY; TO DIRECT THE JOINT COMMITTEE TO MAKE A WRITTEN REPORT OF ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 1999; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

WHEREAS, electricity is a necessity for all individuals, industries, businesses and municipalities in the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the generation and transmission of electric power and the sale and distribution of electricity to consumers within the state are affected by the public interest; and

WHEREAS, markets for electricity are changing nationally and appear to be moving toward increased competition; and

WHEREAS, changes in the electric utility industry could enhance the competitive position of Mississippi's businesses and industries, including Mississippi's ability to compete more effectively in business development; and

WHEREAS, there is a need for careful consideration of all issues involving customer choice and the potential restructuring of, and competition in, the electric utility industry and the system of electric utility regulations; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Public Service Commission is currently studying electric industry restructuring and competition in the provision of retail electric service in its active Docket Number 96-UA-389:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That a special joint study committee is created to study restructuring of the electric industry and competition in the provision of retail electric service. The joint committee shall be composed of seven (7) members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House and seven (7) members of the Senate to be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor. The committee shall be chaired by a cochairman selected by the appointed members of the House and a cochairman selected by the appointed members of the Senate.

Within ten (10) days after the final passage of this resolution during the 1999 Regular Session of the Legislature, the Speaker and the Lieutenant Governor shall appoint the members of the committee. Within ten (10) days after the members are appointed, the membership shall meet on a date mutually agreed upon by a majority of the members from each house for the purpose of organizing the committee and establishing rules for transacting its business and keeping records. A majority of the members of the joint committee from each house shall constitute a quorum at all committee meetings. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members from each house present and voting shall be required in the adoption of rules, resolutions and reports, and in any other actions taken by the committee. All members of the joint committee shall be notified in writing of all regular and special meetings of the committee, which notices shall be mailed at least five (5) days before the dates of the meetings. The joint committee shall hold a minimum of three (3) regular special meetings.

The joint committee shall make a written report of its findings and recommendations, and shall mail copies of the report to each member and member-elect of the Legislature not later than December 1, 1999.

For attending meetings of the joint committee, each member shall be paid, from the Contingent Expense Fund of the member's respective house, per diem compensation in the amount authorized by Section 25-3-69, Mississippi Code of 1972, and a mileage allowance and an expense allowance in the amount authorized by Section 5-1-47, Mississippi Code of 1972. However, no per diem compensation, mileage allowance or expense allowance shall be paid for attending meetings of the joint committee while the Legislature is in session, and no per diem compensation, mileage allowance or expense allowance shall be paid without prior approval of the proper committee in the member's respective house.

All expenses incurred by and on behalf of the joint committee shall be paid from funds made available by the House Management Committee and the Senate Management Committee from the Contingent Expense Fund of each respective house, from any funds appropriated for the purpose of this resolution, and from any grants or contributions made to the committee for its purpose.

In carrying out the provisions of this resolution, the joint committee may utilize the services, facilities and personnel of all departments, agencies, offices and institutions of the state, including the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff.