Utility campaign bill appears on way to final approval

A bill that would allow state campaign donations by utilities zipped through a House committee Monday.

Senate Bill 160 now lacks only a full House vote and a gubernatorial signature. The Senate passed it in March.

Sponsored by state Sen. Don Balfour, R-Snellville, SB 160 would reverse a 36-year ban on state campaign giving by utilities. The legislation would let companies such as Georgia Power, Atlanta Gas Light and AT&T form employee-funded state political action committees or give to candidates directly.

Proponents say it would enfranchise utility employees who cannot participate in utility-formed PACs now. "It means 41,000 Georgia employees who right now can't participate in a PAC could participate," Balfour told the House Governmental Affairs Committee.

Opponents, including Common Cause, Georgia Watch and the Sierra Club, say those employees already give individually, and that SB 160 would give already powerful utility interests more clout.

Utilities still could not give to the state Public Service Commission, which sets their rates.

Foes said lawmakers also have influence over utility rates, as shown when they approved a new Georgia Power nuclear construction fee in 2009.

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Margaret Newkirk

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