Assembly passes ACA 9 to reshape CPUC, add broadband office and elevate affordability in ratemaking

The California Assembly on Monday passed ACA 9 on a 55-1 vote, advancing a proposal that would significantly restructure the California Public Utilities Commission.

According to the Assembly floor-session summary, the constitutional amendment would add affordability as a factor in ratemaking, remove telecommunications from the CPUC’s portfolio, create an Office of Broadband and shift additional appointments to legislative leaders.

The floor-session summary identified the measure as being authored by Assemblymember Berner. It did not identify the lone dissenter or provide the full debate transcript.

ACA 9 is a major policy change with statewide utility and broadband implications, affecting how California regulates rates, broadband oversight and the commission’s makeup. The Assembly’s action sends the proposal to the next stage of the legislative process.