The bill amends sections 4901.02 and 4901.021 of the Revised Code and enacts section 4901.022, introducing significant changes to the Public Utilities Commission nominating council and the nomination process for public utilities commissioners in Ohio. Key amendments include the requirement that no more than four commissioners can be selected from lists provided by the nominating council, and at least one commissioner must be a bona fide consumer representative. Additionally, the bill stipulates that no commissioner can have prior affiliations with regulated entities, ensuring a level of independence and integrity in the commission's operations. The bill also establishes a new nominating council structure, which includes representatives from various sectors, including consumer protection organizations and minority communities, while prohibiting council members from having ties to regulated entities.

Furthermore, the newly enacted section 4901.022 mandates that the Public Utilities Commission make information about the nominating council's operations publicly available online, including biographical details of council members and commissioner applicants, meeting notices, and opportunities for public comment. This transparency aims to enhance public engagement in the nomination process. The bill repeals existing sections 4901.02 and 4901.021, thereby consolidating and updating the legal framework governing the nomination of public utilities commissioners in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4901.02, 4901.021