(a)  (1)  Notwithstanding Sections 11550, 11552, 11554, 11555, and 11556, the department shall set and adjust, as needed, the annual compensation of the officers and employees listed in Sections 11550, 11552, 11554, 11555, and 11556.

(2) On and after July 1, 2019, the department shall set and adjust, as needed, the annual compensation of the president of the Public Utilities Commission.

(b) When setting or adjusting the annual compensation of the president of the Public Utilities Commission or the employees described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), the department shall consider the size and scope of the organization, compensation paid to other similar positions in other public jurisdictions, the scope of responsibility of the position, the need to avoid salary compaction, and other factors appropriate to the determination of compensation necessary to recruit and retain qualified employees in leadership positions for the state. The compensation shall not exceed 125 percent (125%) of the compensation recommended to be paid to the Governor of the State of California by the California Citizens Compensation Commission.

(c) The department shall notify the Legislature of the compensation level implemented for the president of the Public Utilities Commission or any of the employees described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) within 30 days of the effective date of the proposed compensation adjustment.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 29, Sec. 107. (SB 82) Effective June 27, 2019.)