State Senate votes to end ban on political donations by utilities

The state Senate approved a bill that would end a 36-year ban on political donations by regulated industries, such as power companies.

Senate Bill 160, now on its way to the House for another vote, would let utilities donate to all state campaigns except for the Public Service Commission, either directly or through employee-funded state political action committees.

Opponents said the bill would give already powerful political players, such as utility providers, more avenues to influence decisions regarding rates and other issues decided by the PSC.