HJR 1175 Summary

• Proposes constitutional amendment to create a statewide elected Commissioner of Energy as a Cabinet member alongside the Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, and Commissioner of Agriculture

• Commissioner of Energy shall serve as the state's energy policy chief with duties including data collection, assessment, forecasting, and reporting on energy policy effects on job creation, economic development, public health, environment, and energy security

• Commissioner of Energy becomes a member of the state board of administration, trustees of the internal improvement trust fund and land acquisition trust fund, and agency head of the Department of Law Enforcement

• Amendment takes effect January 3, 2017, but permits qualifying and holding the Commissioner of Energy election in 2016

• Requires voter approval at the next general election or earlier special election authorized by law