MD HB651

Increases the Public Service Commission from five to seven commissioners, with all appointed by the Governor with Senate consent

Establishes geographic residency requirements: one commissioner each from Western Maryland, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore; two from Central Maryland; and two from the Capital Region (Montgomery and Prince George's Counties)

Changes the Chair appointment process so the Governor must select the Chair from among the sitting commissioners, rather than appointing a separate Chairman position

Requires the Commission to submit nominees for the two new positions (Western Maryland and Southern Maryland residents) to the Governor by August 1, 2025

Takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies only prospectively without affecting current commissioners' terms