This bill proposes significant changes to the structure and election process of the Public Service Commission in West Virginia. It amends existing laws to eliminate the current appointment process for commission members, transitioning to a system where members are elected on a nonpartisan basis for six-year terms. The bill introduces new sections that outline the election procedures, including staggered terms for the initial election, where one member will serve a two-year term, another a four-year term, and the third a six-year term. Following this initial election, all subsequent elections will be for full six-year terms, coinciding with the primary elections.

Additionally, the bill specifies that effective January 1, 2026, all three commission seats will be filled through these elections, with the terms of currently appointed members expiring on December 31, 2026. It also includes provisions for the appointment of new commissioners to fill any vacancies that may arise. The changes aim to enhance the democratic process by allowing the public to elect their representatives on the commission, thereby increasing accountability and transparency in the regulation of public utilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-5-13a, 24-1-3, 3-5-6f, 24-1-3a