OH SB229

Establishes conflict-of-interest restrictions for Public Utilities Commission nominating council members, prohibiting them from currently or previously being representatives or employees of regulated entities or having pecuniary interests in such entities (with exception for utility industry representative).

Expands nominating council composition from 12 to 14 members by adding a representative of minority communities appointed by the governor and a representative of regulated public utilities appointed by the governor.

Requires all commissioner applicant interviews to be conducted in public meetings with no closed executive sessions, and mandates the Public Utilities Commission publish council operations, applicant biographies, meeting materials, and video recordings on its website.

Prohibits any Public Utilities Commissioner appointed after the bill's effective date from currently being or having previously been a representative, employee, or having any business relationship with regulated entities or their parent, affiliate, or subsidiary companies.

Requires commissioner applicants to disclose all services rendered to any public utility on their applications, which become public records.