A bill for an act relating to the administration of the utilities commission, including the creation of the position of executive director and modification of the duties and titles of the chairperson and executive staff.

SSB 3053 creates the position of "executive director" to replace "chief operating officer" within Iowa's Utilities Commission, with the commission appointing this role by majority vote. The bill modifies the chairperson's title to "administrator" and clarifies their duties, including presiding over meetings and proceedings. It also adds conflict-of-interest rules, barring commission members or directors from holding utility employment or stock, and requires the executive director to be selected for administrative expertise without political consideration. The bill updates commission staffing procedures and specifies that civil penalties from utility violations must fund specific programs like energy assistance or consumer education.