PHX Reporter

The Arizona Free Enterprise Club announced that the Arizona Senate Government Committee has passed House Bill 2518 (HB 2518), which prohibits public service corporations from hiring former commissioners within two years of their departure. This announcement was made in a news release on March 26, 2025.

HB 2518 aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest by barring public service corporations or public power entities regulated by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) from hiring or entering into independent contractor agreements with individuals who have served as ACC commissioners within the past two years. The ACC, established by the Arizona Constitution, oversees public service corporations, railroad and pipeline safety, and securities regulations. It is composed of five members who serve four-year terms, with qualifications and duties set by the Legislature.

According to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, HB 2518 is not expected to have any financial impact on the state General Fund. The law would take effect on the general effective date. The bill was previously approved by the Arizona House of Representatives with a vote of 51-2 and will now be reviewed by the full Arizona Senate.

"I applaud lawmakers for continuing to move this commonsense legislation forward in the process," said Scot Mussi, president of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club. "HB 2518 provides protections for ratepayers by ensuring that elected members of the Corporation Commission can’t go from regulating utilities to working for them."

The Arizona Free Enterprise Club focuses on reducing taxes, opposing subsidies and special interest benefits, and supporting regulatory reform to promote fiscal discipline, limited government, and a balanced budget. Since its formation in 2005, the organization has advocated for various policies including tax cuts, election security, expanded school choice, and protections for property rights and free speech. The club aims to reduce income and property taxes, eliminate certain regulations, promote consumer choice in education and healthcare, and address the influence of public sector unions.