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HB 2555

Revising ethical standards for the public service commission

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Evan Hansen and 1 co-sponsor

HB 2555 enhances ethical standards for West Virginia's Public Service Commission, requiring financial disclosures and clearer public interest criteria to boost transparency and accountability.

To House Energy and Public Works
#ethics #publicservicecommission
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Bill Summary · HB 2555

Summary of HB 2555: Revising Ethical Standards for the Public Service Commission

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 2555
  • Title: Revising Ethical Standards for the Public Service Commission
  • Status: To House Energy and Public Works
  • Introduced: February 4, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Ethics, Public Service Commission

Purpose and Intent

HB 2555 aims to enhance the ethical standards governing the Public Service Commission (PSC) in West Virginia. The bill seeks to ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity among PSC commissioners and to align their conduct with established ethical guidelines.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant changes to existing laws regarding the PSC:

  1. Financial Disclosure Requirements:

    • Commissioners will be required to file annual financial disclosure statements by February 1 each year, covering the previous calendar year.
    • Financial statements will be published online to promote transparency.

  2. Public Interest Criteria:

    • The bill revises the criteria used to determine what constitutes the public interest in PSC decisions, ensuring that these criteria are more clearly defined and aligned with current needs.

  3. Judicial Conduct Compliance:

    • PSC members will be subject to the state code of judicial conduct, which will help maintain high ethical standards and accountability.

  4. Repeal of Outdated Provisions:

    • The bill repeals certain outdated sections of the code that are no longer relevant, streamlining the legal framework governing the PSC.

Impact

  • Commissioners: The bill directly affects PSC commissioners by imposing stricter ethical guidelines and transparency measures.
  • Public Trust: By enhancing transparency and accountability, the bill aims to rebuild public trust in the PSC and its decision-making processes.
  • Utilities and Consumers: Changes in the criteria for determining public interest may influence how utility services are regulated, potentially affecting rates and service availability for consumers.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:
    • February 4, 2025: Bill filed and first reading.
    • February 18, 2025: Bill introduced in the House and referred to the Energy and Public Works Committee.
    • March 4, 2025: Assigned to the Appropriations-Health and Human Services Committee.
    • April 9, 2025: Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Camille Y. Lilly.
    • March 21, 2025: Re-referred to Rules Committee.

This bill represents a significant step towards improving the ethical framework within which the Public Service Commission operates, aiming to ensure that its members act in the best interests of the public they serve.

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

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