HB 5475
To make the Public Service Commission an elected position
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill proposes to change the way members of the West Virginia Public Service Commission are selected. Currently, commissioners are appointed by the Governor, but this bill would make them elected officials serving six-year terms from three divisions within the state. Initial elections would be staggered, with different term lengths (two, four, and six years) in 2027, followed by full six-year terms in subsequent elections. The goal is to establish a nonpartisan election process for these important regulatory positions.
Key provisions
- Commission members will be elected, not appointed, by the Governor.
- Terms will be six years long.
- Elections will be held during the primary election each year a term expires.
- Initial elections in 2027 will have staggered terms (two, four, and six years).
- Commissioners will be elected from three divisions of the state.
- Appointments will be made to fill vacancies for the remainder of the unexpired term.
- The bill establishes nonpartisan elections for the commission.
- The bill outlines the funding sources for commissioner salaries.
Who is affected
- West Virginia residents
- Ratepayers in West Virginia
- Public utility companies in West Virginia
- The Public Service Commission of West Virginia
- State voters
Notable changes
- Shifts the commission membership from appointment to election.
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