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 or council member can have prior affiliations with regulated entities, ensuring a level of independence and integrity in the appointment process. The council will also be responsible for providing the governor with a list of qualified candidates for commissioner positions, while ensuring that political party representation remains balanced.

Furthermore, the newly enacted section 4901.022 mandates that the Public Utilities Commission make various information publicly available on its website, including details about the nominating council's operations, biographical information for council members and commissioner applicants, meeting notices, and opportunities for public comment on the nomination process. This transparency aims to enhance public engagement and oversight in the appointment of commissioners. The bill also repeals existing sections 4901.02 and 4901.021, streamlining the legal framework governing the commission and its nominating council.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4901.02, 4901.021