HB 4896
Requiring the three Commissioners of the State Public Service Commission to be elected positions
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill proposes to change the way the Commissioners of the West Virginia Public Service Commission are selected. Currently, the commissioners are appointed by the Governor. This bill would require that three commissioners be elected to the Public Service Commission by the voters of West Virginia, starting in the 2026 election. The bill also outlines procedures for filling vacancies in the commissioner positions and establishes requirements for those serving as commissioners.
Key provisions
- Requires three Public Service Commission commissioners to be elected positions.
- Establishes election of commissioners beginning in 2026.
- Requires commissioners to be included on the ballot.
- Outlines a procedure for filling vacancies in the commissioner's office.
- Specifies requirements for commissioners, including residency and lack of conflicts of interest.
- Sets the term length for elected commissioners at four years.
- Addresses compensation for commissioners, including a chairman's stipend.
- Requires the Governor to appoint commissioners from a list submitted by the political party executive committee.
Who is affected
- West Virginia Voters
- The Public Service Commission
- Residents of West Virginia
- Public Utility Companies
- State Government
Notable changes
- Shifts the selection of Public Service Commission commissioners from appointment to election.
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