Last week, the House passed legislation addressing former legislators working for companies receiving state-administered grant funding.
Key Points:
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- House Bill 6282 was introduced by Representative Parker Fairbairn (R-Harbor Springs).
- It would prohibit former legislators from accepting employment with an organization that receives grant funding from the Utility Consumer Protection Board for at least two years after leaving their legislative office.
- A former legislator who violates the two-year prohibition would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
The Utility Consumer Protection Board:
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- The board awards grants to nonprofit organizations and local governments that represent residential utility customers in proceedings before the Michigan Public Service Commission.
- The grants can be used to cover expenses for the organization, such as staff, attorneys, and expert witnesses.
- It was established to give utility customers a voice before state regulators and advocate for reliable energy at reasonable rates.
The bill will be sent to the Senate for consideration.
