Also, the proposal would allow future commission members to serve two four-year terms, a reduction from a 2015 law that placed a limit of three terms. Also, the bill would bar lawmakers from serving on the commission within six years of leaving the Legislature. Two current commissioners, Ronald Brise and Jimmy Patronis, are former House members.
The bill also would move the state Office of Public Counsel, which represents consumers in utility cases, under the attorney general. The office, headed by Public Counsel J.R. Kelly, is an arm of the Legislature, and the potential move drew debate during Wednesday’s meeting.
Jon Moyle, an attorney for the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, which frequently intervenes in utility cases at the Public Service Commission, questioned the need for the change.
“I did not hear any criticism or questions with respect to the job Mr. Kelly is doing,” Moyle, who represents businesses that use large amounts of electricity, told the House members. “I think that is because he’s doing a good job.”
