AN ACT CONCERNING REQUIREMENTS FOR LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL OF THE COMBINED PUBLIC BENEFITS CHARGE.

HB 5396 removes any existing "Combined Public Benefits Charge" from electric bills unless approved by the Connecticut General Assembly. It requires future implementation of such charges only after an affirmative vote by the legislature. This bill directly affects electricity customers, as it changes how certain fees appear on their bills, and shifts authority over these charges from utility companies to the legislature. The key mechanism is eliminating unapproved charges and mandating legislative approval for any new or existing charges in this category.