HB 1589 Summary

• Amends the Utility Board of the City of Key West governance by revising candidate qualification fees and deposit deadlines, and prohibiting candidates from using "Keys Energy Services" name or board logo on campaign materials.

• Clarifies board members serve 4-year terms and establishes residency requirements: seats A, B, C require residence within Key West city limits; seats D, E require residence in Monroe County from Stock Island (excluding Key West portion) to the Seven Mile Bridge.

• Allows the City Commission or its designee to judge the election and qualification of board members, and requires members to forfeit office if they fail to reside in specified areas.

• Changes the time period for exempting original contracts from competitive procurement requirements from 24 months to an "acceptable period of time" as determined by the Utility Board by resolution.

• Requires the sale, transfer, or disposition of any ownership interest in the electric utility or other utilities to be approved by both at least 4 affirmative votes of the board and at least 65% of qualified Monroe County electors in the service area voting at a regular municipal general election.