This bill proposes significant changes to the structure and election process of the Public Service Commission in West Virginia. It aims to eliminate the current appointment process for commission members, transitioning to a system where members are elected on a nonpartisan basis to six-year terms. The bill introduces new sections to the Code of West Virginia, specifically 3-5-6f and 24-1-3a, which outline the election procedures, including staggered terms for the initial election in 2026, 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.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the terms of all currently appointed members will expire on December 31, 2026, and that the commission will consist of three members elected statewide. It also includes provisions for filling vacancies through gubernatorial appointments for the remainder of the unexpired term. 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