Two Tampa Bay area legislators are calling for major changes to the appointed panel that regulates utilities.
Rep. Chris Sprowls, a Palm Harbor Republican, and Sen. John Legg, a Republican from Trinity, are proposing legislation that would prevent the governor from appointing elected officials to the Florida Public Service Commission. Former State Rep. Jimmy Patronis is joining the commission in January.
The proposal also requires PSC members to come from different parts of the state. A draft of the bill also proposes limiting PSC members to two terms in office. Commissioners earn more than $131,000.
Sprowls and Legg said changes are needed to restore confidence in state regulators. Sprowls contended current commissioners have not been fair to utility consumers.
The Florida Legislature will consider the bill during its 2015 session.