West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia HB5475: To make the Public Service Commission an elected position
Status: In committee, March 4, 2026
What the bill says
To amend and reenact §24-1-3 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new section, designated §24-1-3a, relating to the Public Service Commission; eliminating appointment process for commission members; providing for expiration date of terms of appointed members; providing that commission members be elected to nonpartisan six-year terms from three created divisions; providing for staggered terms in initial election; providing for regular election procedures; and providing for appointments to fill vacancies. ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. §24-1-3.
From the introduced text, February 12, 2026:
A BILL to amend and reenact §24-1-3 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new section, designated §24-1-3a, relating to the Public Service Commission; eliminating appointment process for commission members; providing for expiration date of terms of appointed members; providing that commission members be elected to nonpartisan six-year terms from three created divisions; providing for staggered terms in initial election; providing for regular election procedures; and providing for appointments to fill vacancies. ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. §24-1-3. Commission continued; membership; chairman; compensation; quorum. (a) The Public Service Commission of West Virginia is continued and directed as provided by this chapter, Chapter 24A, Chapter 24B and Chapter 24D of this code. The Public Service Commission may sue and be sued by that name. (b) The Public Service Commission shall consist of three members who shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The commissioners shall be citizens and residents of this state and at least one of them shall be duly licensed to practice law in West Virginia, with not less than 10 years' actual work experience in the legal profession as a member of a State Bar. (c) No more than two of the commissioners shall be members of the same political party. (d) …