Section 16428.1.

The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(a) Ratepayers and the state's economy have been harmed by improper and unfair energy market manipulation that has resulted in overcharging for electricity and natural gas.

(b) The purpose of the act adding this section is to ensure that any funds paid to the state as a result of energy litigation are used for the following purposes:

(1) To reimburse state funds for, or to finance, litigation and investigation expenses.

(2) To reduce ratepayer costs of those utility ratepayers harmed by the actions of the defendants.

(3) To reduce or pay debt service on the bonds issued pursuant to Division 27 (commencing with Section 80000) of the Water Code.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 228, Sec. 16. Effective August 11, 2003.)