Bill
HB 2518
Arizona law prohibits utilities from employing former Corporation Commission commissioners for two years, curbing the revolving door.
Note: The materials provided mix two different HB 2518 measures from different states. Below are concise, separate summaries for each so readers can distinguish their contents and effects.
Status: Introduced (Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl). Introduced 02/04/2025 (filed 02/03/2025).
Purpose and intent
- To add a statutory FOIA exemption protecting information and documentary materials obtained by the Attorney General or a State's Attorney in investigations under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, and to strengthen investigative powers under that Act.
Key provisions
- Amends the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/7.5) to exempt from public inspection "information and documentary materials obtained by the Office of the Attorney General or a State's Attorney" under certain Consumer Fraud Act provisions.
- Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (815 ILCS 505/) by:
- Adding a power for the Attorney General to require written answers, under oath, to written interrogatories.
- Making certain investigation materials unavailable for public examination except by authorized AG employees and authorized law enforcement personnel — disclosure otherwise requires consent of the person who produced the materials.
- Allowing the Attorney General discretion to use materials obtained in investigations for law enforcement purposes (e.g., witness interviews, pleadings, court proceedings).
Who is affected
- Businesses and individuals subject to Consumer Fraud Act investigations — their submitted materials may be protected from FOIA disclosure.
- Attorney General and State’s Attorney offices — gain additional investigatory tools and confidentiality protections.
- Journalists, consumer advocates, and public FOIA requesters — will have more limited access to investigative records.
- Law enforcement and courts — retain access for enforcement and prosecution purposes.
Potential impact
- Increases confidentiality around consumer-fraud investigations to protect sensitive commercial information and investigative integrity.
- Reduces public access to investigative records, potentially limiting external oversight and reporting on enforcement activity.
- Raises considerations about balancing transparency with effective investigations.
Procedural note
- At time of this packet the bill is at early legislative stages (introduced and referred to committee). Sponsors and bill numbers reference 5 ILCS 140/7.5 and additions to 815 ILCS 505 (including a new 505/4.1).
Status: Enacted as Chapter 134; Approved by Governor May 6, 2025; Effective Sept 1, 2025.
Purpose and intent
- To limit the so-called “revolving door” between the Arizona Corporation Commission and regulated utilities.
Key provision (final enacted text)
- Adds A.R.S. § 40-104: Any public service corporation or public power entity regulated by the Corporation Commission may not employ or enter into an independent contractor agreement with an individual who served as a commissioner in the preceding two calendar years.
Who is affected
- Regulated public service corporations and public power entities (utilities).
- Former commissioners of the Arizona Corporation Commission (two‑year cooling-off restriction).
Procedural/timeline
- Enacted and filed with the Secretary of State May 6, 2025; effective date September 1, 2025.
If you want, I can prepare a side‑by‑side comparison of the two HB 2518 texts, or draft talking points on transparency vs. investigative confidentiality implications for the Illinois measure.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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