Ch. 147

LAWS OF MARYLAND

(e)  The utility consumer advisory panel shall be composed
of 13 public representatives who shall be geographically
representative of the utility-consuming public of this State, 7
of whom shall be appointed by the President of the Senate, with
the advice and consent of the Senate, and 6 of whom shall be
appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates, with the
advice and consent of the House of Delegates.

(f)  (1) The term of membership is three years, except that
of the original appointees, four shall serve one-year terms, four
shall serve two-year terms and five shall serve three-year terms
as determined by lot within each category. (2) Each member shall
serve until his successor is appointed and qualified. An
appointment to a vacancy in an unexpired term is limited to the
remainder of that term. (3) The members of the panel shall serve
without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for all expenses
reasonably incurred in the performance of their duties. (4) The
panel shall annually elect a chairman from its members and
appoint a secretary. (5) Each member of the panel shall file a
financial disclosure statement in accordance with Article 33 §
29-11.

(g)  (1) The chairman of the Public Service Commission (or
his designee) and the people's counsel shall serve as ex-officio
members of the utility consumer advisory panel. They may not
vote in the panel's deliberations. (2) An employee or legal
representative of a utility company may not be appointed as a
member of the panel.

(h) This section may not be construed to authorize any ex
parte communication by the panel or any of its members with any
commissioner of the Public Service Commission regarding any
matter then pending before the Commission.

(i) Subject to § 2-1312 of the State Government Article,
the utility consumer advisory panel shall report on its
activities to the General Assembly by January 1 of each year.]

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall
take effect July 1, 1988.

Approved May 2, 1988.

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