The Florida Senate

There is created a standing joint committee of the Legislature, designated the Committee on Public Counsel Oversight, and composed of 12 members appointed as follows: six members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, two of whom must be members of the minority party; and six members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, two of whom must be members of the minority party. The terms of members shall be for 2 years and shall run from the organization of one Legislature to the organization of the next Legislature. The President shall appoint the chair of the committee in even-numbered years and the vice chair in odd-numbered years, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint the chair of the committee in odd-numbered years and the vice chair in even-numbered years, from among the committee membership. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. Members shall serve without additional compensation, but shall be reimbursed for expenses.

The committee shall appoint a Public Counsel as provided by general law.

The committee is authorized to file a complaint with the Commission on Ethics alleging a violation of this chapter by a commissioner, former commissioner, former commission employee, or member of the Public Service Commission Nominating Council.

The committee will not have a permanent staff, but the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall select staff members from among existing legislative staff, when and as needed.