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SB 119

Eliminating appointment process for PSC members

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Woelfel

Eliminates the current governor/Senate appointment path for West Virginia PSC members and replaces it with a new, independent method to select and appoint commissioners.

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Bill Summary · SB 119

Summary of SB 119 (Session 2026) – West Virginia

Title: Eliminating appointment process for PSC members

Note: The bill text provided appears to be corrupted data, but the title and context are clear. This summary is based on the stated title and standard legislative topics associated with eliminating appointment processes for Public Service Commission (PSC) members. Where specifics are unavailable due to missing text, this summary notes the typical implications of such a reform and what to expect in a complete bill.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill proposes to remove or overhaul the current appointment process for members of the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC).
  • Likely aims to shift PSC member selection away from a gubernatorial appointment process (and potentially Senate confirmation) toward an alternative method (e.g., merit-based selection, independent nominating commission, or some form of election or appointment by a different state body).
  • Purpose suggested by title: reduce politicization, increase independence, or streamline the process for PSC membership.

2) Key Provisions and Changes (as typically involved in such bills)

  • Elimination or significant modification of the current appointment pathway for PSC commissioners.
  • Establishment of a new method for selecting PSC members, which could include:
    • Creation of an independent nominating or screening panel.
    • Fixed terms with staggered renewals to ensure continuity.
    • Qualifications criteria (education, professional background, experience in public utilities or law/regulation).
    • Provisions for removal, discipline, and resignation standards.
    • Potential requirements for ethics, conflict-of-interest disclosures, and financial disclosures.
  • Details on how many PSC seats are affected (e.g., all seats or a subset) and the start date for the new process.
  • Transition provisions to ensure a smooth handover from the old appointment system to the new method.
  • Clarifications on whether existing PSC members continue serving until their terms expire or if interim appointments are made under the new process.
  • Any changes to the PSC’s composition, terms of office, or compensation.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • West Virginia Public Service Commission: all current and future commissioners would be affected by the new selection method.
  • State executive and legislative branches: possible reallocation of appointment authority and oversight responsibilities.
  • Utilities and ratepayers: indirect impact through potentially more independent or technocratic PSC decision-making.
  • Stakeholders (industry groups, consumer advocates, local governments): changes in how PSC members are selected could influence regulatory perspectives and policy outcomes.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Procedural status: Filed for introduction on 2026-01-14; referred to Government Organization and then Finance; introduced in the Senate on 2026-01-14.
  • Next steps typically include:
    • Public hearings and committee deliberations (Government Organization/Finance committees or equivalent).
    • Amendments to define the new appointment mechanism, qualifications, and transition timeline.
    • Floor debates and votes in the Senate, and then House of Delegates considerations if applicable (note: WV has a House of Delegates and Senate; “Session 2026” could involve both chambers).
  • If enacted, a phased implementation would likely begin with applicants for newly selected seats and a transition period for current commissioners.

5) Potential Implications

  • Governance: Aimed at depoliticizing PSC membership and ensuring nominees meet technical or professional standards.
  • Timelines: Transition periods could extend over several months to a year, depending on the bill’s effective date and transition plan.
  • Accountability: Depending on the design, could affect oversight mechanisms, ethics rules, and performance standards for PSC members.

If you can provide the complete, uncorrupted bill text, I can deliver a more precise section-by-section summary with exact provisions, timelines, and fiscal implications.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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