CACR30 Relating to the public utilities commissioners.Providing that the public utilities commissioners are elected.
Relating to the public utilities commissioners.Providing that the public utilities commissioners are elected.
Impact Score — How Does This Bill Affect You?
Overall Impact Score
Mixed
Scale: 1 (harmful) to 10 (beneficial)
Your Wallet
No direct financial impact to taxpayers is specified in the bill text.
Your Community
Electing rather than appointing utility commissioners may increase public accountability over utility regulation that affects all NH residents, though concrete service impacts are not specified.
Your Freedom
Voters gain direct democratic control over selecting utility commissioners rather than this power residing solely with the governor and executive council.
Status
Inexpedient to Legislate: Motion Adopted Voice Vote 03/05/2026 House Journal 6 P. 13
Sponsor
Thomas Oppel (D)
The Short Version
This constitutional amendment would change how New Hampshire's Public Utilities Commission commissioners are selected, replacing gubernatorial appointment with direct election by voters starting in 2028. The amendment requires voter approval in November 2026 before taking effect.
Who's Behind This Bill?
Who Benefits
- ▲ NH voters gain direct electoral power to select PUC commissioners
- ▲ Residents who use public utilities may see increased commissioner accountability to voters
Who Pays the Price
- ▼ Governor and executive council lose appointment power over commissioners
- ▼ Candidates for PUC positions must mount election campaigns
Bill statuses as of October 7, 2026. Check LegiScan or NH General Court for the latest.
This bill was auto-scored using AI analysis of the bill text and legislative data. Scores may be refined as we review more bills.