(Columbia-AP) Feb. 20, 2004 - Governor Mark Sanford has signed into law a bill that changes how Public Service Commissioners are elected.

The House and Senate fought nearly two years over changes at the PSC, which regulates power, water and local telephone utilities. The fight came from a screening process two years ago that found underqualified candidates and raised concerns about legislator's family members getting the jobs.

The review also uncovered inappropriate contact between commissioners and the companies they regulate.

The new law bars family members living with legislators from seeking commission jobs. Commissioners will also have to have college degrees and experience in a field that is applicable to utility regulation.

The bill also sets up a separate PSC staff to argue on the public's behalf at commission hearings.

posted 2:11pm by Chris Rees