This bill proposes significant changes to the appointment and election process for members of the Public Service Commission in West Virginia. It amends existing laws to eliminate the current appointment process by the Governor and instead establish a system where members are elected in nonpartisan elections to 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, all commencing on January 1, 2027. Additionally, it provides for the Governor to appoint replacements for any vacancies that may arise.

The bill also makes several deletions from the current law, including the requirement that at least one commissioner must be a licensed attorney with ten years of experience, and the stipulation that no more than two commissioners can belong to the same political party. The new provisions emphasize that all commissioners must be elected by the public, thereby enhancing accountability and transparency in the commission's operations. Overall, the bill aims to reform the governance of the Public Service Commission by transitioning to an elected body that reflects the will of the voters.

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