Indiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Indiana HB1317: IURC and utility audits.
Status: In committee, January 12, 2026
Provides that every three years, beginning in 2026, the state board of accounts shall conduct an audit of the funds, accounts, financial affairs, and all compliance related matters of the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) for the state fiscal year ending in the year in which the audit is conducted. Provides that a report of an audit conducted under these provisions must be submitted to the executive director of the legislative services agency for distribution to members of the general assembly. Provides that the IURC: (1) may, with good cause, as part of an examination, inquiry, or investigation authorized by specified statutes conduct a forensic audit of a public utility; and (2) shall as part of a base rate case that is filed with or pending before the IURC after December 31, 2025, for a change in a public utility's basic rates and charges, conduct a forensic audit of the public utility. Authorizes the IURC to appoint: (1) an independent accounting firm; or (2) another qualified agent; with experience or expertise in conducting forensic audits to conduct a forensic audit under these provisions. Specifies the scope of a forensic audit under these provisions. Provides that upon the completion of a forensic audit, the IURC may do the following: (1) Issue an order directing the public utility to take actions to correct or cure certain acts or practices examined as part of the audit. (2) Refer any suspected criminal activities uncovered during the audit to an appropriate law enforcement agency or prosecutorial agency or official. Specifies how expenses incurred by the IURC or the IURC's agent in conducting a forensic audit under this section shall be charged and paid.
What the bill says
A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning utilities.
From the introduced text:
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning utilities. SECTION 1. IC 8-1-1-5, AS AMENDED BY P.L.30-2006, SECTION 1, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 5. (a) The commission shall in all controversial proceedings heard by it be an impartial fact-finding body and shall make its orders in such cases upon the facts impartially found by it. The commission shall in no such proceeding, during the hearing, act in the role either of a proponent or opponent on any issue to be decided by it. All evidence given in any such proceeding shall be offered on behalf of the respective parties to, or appearing in, the proceeding and not in the name or behalf of the commission itself. (b) Any report, audit, examination, or analysis prepared by the commission staff at the request or direction of the commission may be made a part of the record of the proceeding, subject to cross-examination by any party of the person who performed or directed the preparation of the report, audit, examination, or analysis. (c) If in any such proceeding the public interest is not otherwise adequately represented by counsel, in the opinion of the commission, 2026 IN 1317--LS 6781/DI it shall be the duty of the utility consumer counselor, if requested by the commission, …
Sponsors
- John Bartlett (D, HD-095) · primary sponsor
- Alex Burton (D, HD-077)
Latest actions
- : Representative Burton added as coauthor
- : Authored by Representative Bartlett
- : First reading: referred to Committee on Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications
Subjects: LAW ENFORCEMENT; Generally, AGENCIES; State Board of Accounts (SBOA), AUDITS AND AUDITORS (Non-Elected), AGENCIES; Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE; Prosecuting Attorneys (Non-Elected), CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE; Generally
Common questions
- What is HB1317?
- HB1317 is a bill in the Indiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): IURC and utility audits.
- What does HB1317 do?
- In its own words: A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning utilities.
- What is the status of HB1317?
- In committee as of January 12, 2026. Latest action: Representative Burton added as coauthor (January 12, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1317?
- John Bartlett (D, HD-095), with 1 co-sponsor.
- Where is the official record for HB1317?
- On the Indiana Legislature website: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1317
Source: official Indiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.