Prohibits public utilities from using funds or being reimbursed by funds raised from ratepayers for certain activities

Removed detailed definitions of 'grassroots lobbying' and 'lobbying' and replaced them with references to section one-c of the Legislative Law, which establishes the state's standard lobbying definitions.

Changed the definition of 'public charity' to 'charity' and updated it to include charitable foundations registered with the attorney general who submit financial disclosures.

Added a new definition for 'trade association' to clarify that it includes business or industry associations incorporated under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Added a new provision requiring public relations campaign expenditures to be approved by the commission as serving a public interest before they can be recovered in rates.

Changed the bill number from S 1012 to S 1012-A and updated committee status to show the bill was amended, discharged from committee, and recommitted.