Bill > HF578

This bill transforms the Office of Consumer Advocate from a division within the Department of Justice to an independent agency, with several key 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 for a five-year term. The bill removes the attorney general's authority to set the salary and employ staff for the office, transferring those responsibilities to the consumer advocate. Additionally, the consumer advocate will be required to regularly report to the same committee that helps select candidates. The bill also mandates that the office will be located near the utilities commission and can receive administrative support from them. Importantly, the bill terminates the term of the current consumer advocate upon the bill's effective date, ensuring a complete transition to the new organizational structure. These changes aim to create more independence and accountability for the consumer advocate's role in representing public interests in utility-related matters.

Business and Industry

Judiciary (House)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF578