Alabama Lawmakers Advance Bill to Change How Public Service Commissioners Are Selected

Montgomery, AL (BuzzReport) – Alabama lawmakers are advancing legislation that would change the way members of the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) are selected, shifting the process from a statewide election to gubernatorial appointment.

House Bill 392, filed Thursday by State Rep. Chip Brown, R-Hollinger’s Island, would end the more than century-old practice of electing the state’s three public service commissioners. Instead, the measure proposes that commissioners be appointed by the governor.

The PSC regulates utilities across the state, including electric, gas, and telecommunications services. Alabama is currently one of only 10 states where public service commissioners are elected by voters.

The bill was taken up by the House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee shortly after being filed, despite nearly 400 other bills having already been introduced in the House. Following a public hearing that included both support and opposition, the committee approved the measure on a 10-4 vote, with bipartisan backing and dissent. The legislation has since been placed on the House’s special order calendar and is expected to be considered by the full House on Thursday.

Supporters of HB 392 argue that the change would ensure commissioners have relevant professional experience. The bill includes a requirement that the governor appoint individuals with background experience in a related field, a qualification that is not currently required for elected candidates. Proponents also contend that legislative oversight could increase accountability, noting that the PSC is a regulatory body that often receives limited public attention during elections.

Opponents, however, have raised concerns about removing the decision from voters. Critics argue that shifting to an appointment system could increase the influence of regulated utility companies over the commission. While PSC commissioners are prohibited from receiving campaign contributions from regulated entities, state lawmakers are not subject to the same restrictions.

The proposal comes as political dynamics surrounding utility regulation have drawn attention in other Southern states, including neighboring Georgia, where Democrats recently won seats on that state’s public service commission.

If approved by the House, the bill would move to the Alabama Senate for consideration.