SB 656
Relating to ethics reforms at PSC
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to improve ethics and transparency at the Public Service Commission (PSC) in West Virginia. It requires PSC members to publicly disclose their financial interests online, clarifies the PSC’s responsibility in considering the public interest when regulating utilities, and repeals outdated sections of the code. The bill also revises ethical standards for PSC membership and ensures that members adhere to the code of judicial ethics.
Key provisions
- Requires PSC members to file annual financial disclosure statements, which must be published on the internet.
- Clarifies the PSC’s role in exercising legislative powers in the public interest, particularly regarding electric utilities.
- Specifies factors the PSC must consider when regulating utilities, including affordability, reliability, and environmental protection.
- Repeals outdated and inoperative provisions of the West Virginia Code.
- Revises ethical criteria for PSC membership and employment.
- Mandates that PSC members adhere to the code of judicial ethics.
- Requires the PSC to make financial disclosure statements available for inspection upon request.
- Directs the PSC to present an annual report to the Legislature summarizing its activities.
Who is affected
- Public Service Commission of West Virginia members
- State elected officials
- Appointed board and commission members
- Department and agency heads
- Candidates for public office
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