OH HB657

Requires at least one PUCO commissioner to be a consumer representative selected from three nominees submitted by the Office of the Consumers' Counsel, with the first vacancy after the bill's effective date filled from this list

Prohibits newly appointed commissioners from having any current or prior relationship with, employment by, or business transactions with entities regulated by PUCO or their parent companies, affiliates, or subsidiaries

Bars nominating council members (except the regulated utilities representative) from current or prior employment with regulated entities, and prohibits all appointed members from holding stocks, bonds, or pecuniary interests in regulated entities

Mandates that commissioner applicant interviews be conducted in public meetings rather than executive sessions, and limits appointed council members to two-year terms

Creates new transparency requirements including public posting of council member and applicant biographical information, meeting notices, minutes, video recordings of interviews, and opportunities for public comment on applicants and the nomination process