2026 Regular Session
SB 119
Eliminating appointment process for PSC members
In Committee
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill proposes to change the way members of West Virginia’s Public Service Commission (PSC) are selected. Currently, the Governor appoints PSC members, but this bill would establish a system where all three commissioners are elected by the public through nonpartisan elections held on the same day as the primary election. Commissioners would serve six-year terms, with staggered elections to ensure continuity.
Key provisions
- All three Public Service Commission members will be elected by state-wide, nonpartisan elections.
- Elections will be held on the same day as the primary election.
- Commissioners will serve six-year terms.
- Initial elections in 2026 will have staggered terms (two-year, four-year, and six-year).
- Regular elections will occur during the primary election each year a commissioner’s term expires.
- The Governor will appoint commissioners to fill vacancies.
- The bill eliminates the appointment process for PSC members.
- Terms of appointed members expiring on December 31, 2026, will expire.
Who is affected
- The Public Service Commission
- West Virginia Voters
- Ratepayers and Utility Consumers
- The Governor’s Office
- The West Virginia Legislature
Notable changes
- Replaces the current appointment process with an election-based system.
- Establishes nonpartisan elections for PSC members.
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