Reference is to Printer's Date 1/10/18-H.
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Sections 1-7-1330 and 1-7-1340 and inserting:
/ Section 1-7-1330. (A)
The Utilities Consumer Advocate must be
appointed by the Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs,
and shall serve at the pleasure of the director. The Utilities
Consumer Advocate must be an attorney qualified to practice in
all courts of this State. The Utilities Consumer Advocate shall
not report to the Office of Regulatory Staff but may avail
himself of the services of the Office of Regulatory Staff as
necessary in representing the public utility interests of
consumers. The Office of Regulatory Staff shall cooperate with
any and all requests by the Utilities Consumer Advocate and
Regulatory Staff and shall be available to provide research and
expertise to the Utilities Consumer Advocate as requested.
(B) Unless otherwise
provided by law, no person may serve as the Utilities Consumer
Advocate if the Public Service Commission regulates any utility
with which that person is associated. If the commission
regulates a business with which the Utilities Consumer Advocate
is associated, he must annually file a statement of economic
interests notwithstanding the provisions of Section
8-13-1110.
(C) No person may serve
as the Utilities Consumer Advocate if the Public Service
Commission regulates a business with which he is associated and
this relationship creates a continuing or frequent conflict with
the performance of his official responsibilities.
Section 1-7-1340. The Utilities Consumer Advocate must be provided office space and be otherwise equipped by the Department of Consumer Affairs to perform the functions prescribed in this article. Necessary expenses must be paid from appropriations to the Department of Consumer Affairs provided annually in the General Appropriations Act. The Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs shall set the salary of the Utilities Consumer Advocate. /
Amend the bill further, by striking SECTION 6 and inserting:
/ SECTION 6. The provisions of this act take effect ten days after approval by the Governor, and the Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs shall appoint the Utilities Consumer Advocate by the effective date of this act. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.