PHOENIX β State lawmakers agreed Monday afternoon to alter state law so the newest member of the Arizona Corporation Commission can vote on pending electric rate cases.
HB 2123 specifically would allow Andy Tobin to participate in debates and vote on requests by power companies to increase charges to customers who generate some of their own power through rooftop solar units. The electric companies contend they are not paying their fair share of fixed costs.
As approved, it redefines the statutes so that the fact that Tobin's vote could affect employment of his son-in-law would no longer be an illegal conflict of interest.
Rep. John Allen, R-Scottsdale, said the measure is no big deal.
He pointed out that the employment of a family member is considered only a "remote'' conflict of interest that does not preclude a state legislator from voting on an issue. Allen said all this does is extend the same standard to the five-member commission.
But Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, chided his colleagues for using a standard for a 60-member House and 30-member Senate for a five-member board.
"We are completely different animals,'' he said.
Farnsworth, however, agreed to provide the margin of victory to push the measure out of the House after Allen promised to make changes to the measure in the Senate.
