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Bill > SF229


IA SF229

A bill for an act relating to the office of the consumer advocate.


summary

Introduced
02/06/2025
In Committee
02/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill relates to the office of the consumer advocate. The bill changes the office of the consumer advocate from a division of the department of justice to an independent agency. The bill requires the consumer advocate to be appointed by the governor, subject to confirmation by the senate, from a list of three candidates provided by a committee consisting of the secretary of agriculture, the auditor of state, and the treasurer of state. The consumer advocate shall serve a term of five years and shall regularly report to a committee consisting of the secretary of agriculture, the auditor of state, and the treasurer of state, regarding the activities of the consumer advocate. The bill makes conforming changes, including by removing the authority of the attorney general to set the salary of the consumer advocate and employ staff to support the office of the consumer advocate. The bill terminates the term of office of the person serving as the consumer advocate immediately prior to the effective date of the bill on the effective date of the bill.

AI Summary

This bill transforms the Office of the Consumer Advocate from a division within the Department of Justice to an independent agency with several significant changes. The consumer advocate will now be appointed by the governor from a list of three candidates provided by a committee consisting of the secretary of agriculture, the auditor of state, and the treasurer of state, and will be subject to senate confirmation. The consumer advocate will serve a fixed five-year term, replacing the previous arrangement where they served at the attorney general's pleasure. The bill removes the attorney general's authority to set the consumer advocate's salary and employ staff, instead giving those responsibilities to the consumer advocate and the governor. Additionally, the bill requires the consumer advocate to regularly report to the same committee that helps select candidates, providing increased oversight. The legislation also mandates that the Office of the Consumer Advocate will be located near the utilities commission and may receive administrative support from them. The bill explicitly terminates the current consumer advocate's term of office on the bill's effective date, ensuring a clean transition to the new organizational structure.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Senate Commerce Subcommittee (13:30:00 3/4/2025 Senate Lounge) (on 03/04/2025)

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