HF 2082 (LSB 5586YH (4) 86)

HOUSE FILE 2082

BY  SEXTON, BYRNES, STECKMAN, KAUFMANN, and CARLSON

A BILL FOR

An Act modifying membership and other requirements applicable to the Iowa utilities board. 
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 474.1, subsection 1, Code 2016, is amended to read as follows:
   1.  A utilities division is created within the department of commerce. The policymaking body for the division is the utilities board which is created within the division. The board is composed of three five members appointed by the governor and subject to confirmation by the senate, not more than two three of whom shall be from the same political party. Each member appointed shall serve for six-year staggered terms beginning and ending as provided by section 69.19. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term in the same manner as full-term appointments are made.
    Sec. 2.  Section 474.2, Code 2016, is amended to read as follows:
   474.2  Certain persons barred from office —— restrictions.
   1.  No A person in the employ of any common carrier or other public utility, or owning any bonds, stock or property in any railroad company or other public utility shall not be eligible to the office of utilities board member or secretary of the utilities board; and the. The entering into the employ of any common carrier or other public utility or the acquiring of any stock or other interest in any common carrier or other public utility by such member or secretary after appointment shall disqualify the member or secretary to hold the office or perform the duties thereof of the office.
   2.  A person shall not serve in any manner or be employed by any common carrier or other public utility, or acquire any bonds, stock, or property in any railroad company or other public utility for at least two years following the person’s departure from the office of utilities board member or secretary of the utilities board.
   3.  A person shall not be eligible to the office of utilities board member or secretary of the utilities board for at least two years following the person’s departure from service as a member of the Iowa general assembly.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with

the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill modifies membership and other requirements applicable to the Iowa utilities board.
   The bill increases the current number of members of the board from three to five members and increases the limitation on the number of members who are permitted to be from the same political party from two to three members.
   Additionally, the bill adds restrictions relating to membership eligibility and actions after departure from membership. The bill provides that a person is prohibited from employment with any common carrier or other public utility, or from acquiring any bonds, stock, or property in any railroad company or other public utility for at least two years following their departure from serving as a member of the board or secretary of the board. Further, the bill provides that a person shall not be eligible to become appointed to the board or serve as secretary of the board for at least two years following their departure from service as a member of the Iowa general assembly.