FL H7211

Removes the Public Service Commission chair from the definition of "agency head" for inspector general purposes and establishes the executive director as the agency head for certain administrative matters.

Transfers the Office of Public Counsel from the legislative branch to the Office of the Attorney General, with the Attorney General appointing and supervising the Public Counsel instead of a legislative committee.

Requires all new commissioners to complete comprehensive training on PSC jurisdiction and ethics before voting, and mandates all commissioners complete at least 10 hours of annual continuing education on substantive PSC matters.

Prohibits governors, legislative leaders, and nominating council members from attempting to influence commissioners through threats or rewards, with violations investigated by the Commission on Ethics; also prohibits individual commissioners from directing staff to pursue particular positions on substantive matters.

Strengthens ex parte communication restrictions by extending them to members of commissioners' direct staff and defining prohibited communications; establishes civil penalties up to $5,000 for violations and requires persons testifying before the PSC to disclose financial relationships with parties to proceedings.