This bill amends the administration of the utilities commission by establishing the position of executive director and modifying the roles of the chairperson and executive staff. It specifies that the chairperson, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate, will preside over contested cases and meetings. The bill replaces the title of chief operating officer with executive director, who will be appointed by a majority vote of the commission and will manage the commission's operations under its direction. The executive director will not be a commission member and will serve at the commission's pleasure, with their salary set within the limits of the pay plan for exempt positions.

Additionally, the bill outlines that the initial appointment of the executive director will be exempt from certain competitive recruitment requirements, but subsequent appointments will adhere to those regulations. It also clarifies that individuals employed by public utilities or holding interests in them are barred from serving as commission members or as the executive director. The bill further ensures that civil penalties collected from utilities will be managed by the executive director, who will forward these funds to the appropriate state treasurer accounts for designated programs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 474.1, 21.2, 474.8, 476.51, 546.12