Bill > SB160

This bill establishes a new process for appointing members to the Public Service Commission (PSC) in Montana. The key provisions are: 1. The governor will appoint five PSC commissioners, instead of the current three that are elected, and the appointments must be confirmed by the state Senate. The appointments must be made from a list of nominees recommended by legislative leadership. 2. Commissioners must have at least 5 years of experience in law, engineering, public accounting, or property/utility valuation and finance, and cannot have worked for a regulated utility within the past 5 years. Current and former utility management and board members are not eligible. 3. Commissioner terms are increased from 4 to 5 years, with a 12-year lifetime limit. The initial appointments will include staggered terms. 4. The department of public service regulation must conduct a salary survey every 2 years and raise commissioner salaries if the average is higher than Montana's current rate. 5. The existing law establishing PSC districts is repealed, allowing the governor to appoint commissioners from any part of the state.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://laws.leg.mt.gov/legprd/LAW0210W$BSIV.ActionQuery?P_BILL_NO1=160&P_BLTP_BILL_TYP_CD=SB&Z_ACTION=Find&P_SESS=20211