AR SB1181

Removes requirement that one of the three Arkansas Public Service Commission members must be a lawyer, though one of the Governor-appointed commissioners must still be a lawyer.

Changes appointment structure so two commissioners are appointed by the Governor (subject to Senate approval) and one commissioner is appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate or Speaker of the House of Representatives, alternating between the two legislative leaders.

Establishes that commissioners serve six-year terms and requires the person who originally appointed a commissioner to appoint a replacement during vacancies or when a member is disqualified from a particular matter.

Maintains existing requirements that commissioners reside in Arkansas for five years, be qualified electors, execute a $10,000 bond, and receive an annual salary of $5,000.

Provides transitional language stating no current commissioners are removed upon the act's effective date; the first commissioner to complete a six-year term after enactment shall be replaced by appointment of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.