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PUCT rulemaking process and how to participate

How does the PUCT turn a law into a detailed rule?

  • Starting a Rulemaking

    Rules can come out of new laws passed by the legislature or from action by the PUCT Commissioners.

  • Project is opened

    Each rulemaking project is assigned a number. All documents relating to that rulemaking are posted to the PUCT website. You can subscribe to notifications for alerts any time new documents post.

  • Information Gathering

    To ensure transparency and all perspectives receive consideration, the PUCT will ask for information from the public, affected industries, advocacy groups and others to help craft the rule.

    1. Questions to the Public - PUCT Staff might send out a list of questions to get their input on specific topics.
    2. Discussion Draft - PUCT staff might issue an early draft of the rule and ask for feedback. This is sometimes called a strawman rule.
    3. Workshop - PUCT can bring people together to discuss the rule and collect information.

  • Proposal for Publication

    1. A draft rule is published on the PUCT Interchange at least five days before a commission open meeting.
    2. This draft will be posted to the PUCT website under its project number.
    3. The commissioners discuss a draft of the rule at an open meeting. These meetings are broadcast online.

  • Public Comment

    The public can submit written comments online.

  • Public Hearing (if requested)

    If 25 or more people request it, there will be a public hearing to listen to comments. The comments at the public hearing have the same weight as written comments.

  • Draft Order

    PUCT Staff considers the comments and prepares a new draft of the rule. This draft is posted on the PUCT website at least one week before it is considered by the PUCT Commissioners.

  • Public consideration by PUCT Commissioners

    1. The Commission publishes notice of an open meeting at least 5 days before the open meeting. These meetings are broadcast online.
    2. They can discuss the rule and make changes at the open meeting.
    3. The commissioners will vote whether to adopt the rule.

  • The new rule
    becomes effective
    20 days later