Bill > SB119

This bill proposes to change how members of the Public Service Commission (PSC), a state agency that regulates utility companies, are selected. Currently, PSC members are appointed by the Governor with the Senate's approval. However, this bill mandates that starting January 1, 2027, all three PSC members will be elected to six-year terms through state-wide, nonpartisan elections, meaning candidates will not run under a political party affiliation. The initial election in 2026 will stagger terms to ensure continuity, with one member elected for two years, one for four years, and one for six years, all beginning in 2027. Subsequent elections will be for full six-year terms, held during the primary election every six years, with the new commissioner taking office the following January 1. If a vacancy arises, the Governor will appoint someone to fill the remainder of the unexpired term. The bill also removes the requirement that at least one commissioner must be a lawyer with ten years of experience and eliminates the provision that no more than two commissioners can be from the same political party, as these distinctions become irrelevant with nonpartisan elections.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=119&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill