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 in nonpartisan elections for six-year terms. The bill introduces new sections that outline the election process, 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, with elections coinciding with primary elections.

Additionally, the bill specifies that all current appointed members' terms will expire on December 31, 2026, paving the way for the new election process to take effect on January 1, 2026. 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