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By:  Turner                                                       H.B. No. 2615



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the reimbursement of expenses in ratemaking 
proceedings.        
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 33.023, Utilities Code, is amended to 
read as follows:   
	Sec. 33.023.  RATEMAKING PROCEEDINGS.  (a)  The governing 
body of a municipality participating in or conducting a ratemaking 
proceeding may engage rate consultants, accountants, auditors, 
attorneys, and engineers to:
		(1)  conduct investigations, present evidence, and 
advise and represent the governing body; and
		(2)  assist the governing body with litigation in [an 
electric utility] ratemaking proceeding for the electric utility or 
the affiliated retail electric provider before the governing body, 
a regulatory authority, or a court.
	(b)  The electric utility or the affiliated retail electric 
provider in the ratemaking proceeding shall reimburse the governing 
body of the municipality for the reasonable cost of the services of 
a person engaged under Subsection (a) to the extent the applicable 
regulatory authority determines is reasonable.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.