Bill > HF923

This bill modifies existing Iowa law regarding sanctions against intervenors in contested cases before the Iowa Utilities Commission by establishing stricter standards for when the commission can impose penalties. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision that prohibits the commission from threatening or imposing sanctions on an intervenor unless two specific conditions are met: first, the intervenor must have been knowingly dishonest or in violation of a criminal statute, and second, their actions must have caused actual, quantifiable injury to the commission that exceeds $500. The bill appears designed to protect intervenors—individuals or organizations that participate in commission proceedings but are not the primary parties—from arbitrary or punitive actions by limiting the commission's ability to impose sanctions. By setting a high bar for sanctioning intervenors, the legislation aims to ensure that only truly egregious or harmful conduct can result in penalties, potentially encouraging more open participation in utility commission proceedings.

Justice

Judiciary (H)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF923