I. In the exercise of the jurisdiction and performance of the duties prescribed by law, the commission shall have the power, subject to the state personnel regulations and within the limits of the appropriation for such purpose, to employ and fix the compensation of such regular staff, including experts, as it shall deem necessary. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the expenditure of additional funds over budget estimates is necessary for the proper functioning of the public utilities commission, the governor and council, with the prior approval of the fiscal committee of the general court, upon request from the commission, may authorize an additional assessment pursuant to RSA 363-A for such purpose.II. The staff of the commission shall be organized as the chairperson determines best achieves its statutory responsibilities.III. "Staff" means the employees of the commission and any consultants and other contractors retained by the commission for the purpose of assisting the commission and its employees in providing advice or information, or for the purpose of supplementing the work of the commission and its employees.Amended by 2021 , 91: 210, eff. 7/1/2021.1979, 494:6. 1981, 220:6. 1985, 402:17. 1989, 240:6. 1991, 339:1. 1994, 414:2. 1999, 289:11. 2001, 237 : 4 . 2007, 156 : 12 , eff. Aug. 17, 2007. 2010, 191 : 4 , eff. Aug. 20, 2010. 2021, 91 : 210 , eff. July 1, 2021.