37-2-101. Creation; composition; appointment; compensation; terms and oaths of members; removal; chairman and deputy chairman; vacancies.

(a) There is created a commission separate from the state board of equalization to which it has been joined which is known as the "public service commission of Wyoming". The commission shall consist of three (3) members appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate. Not more than seventy-five percent (75%) of the members of the commission shall at any time be members of the same political party. Each member of the commission shall receive an annual salary as provided by law, to be paid in equal monthly installments in the same manner that other state salaries are paid.

(b) Biennially the members shall elect from among their number a chairman and a deputy chairman who shall serve in these offices for a period of two (2) years. The chairman shall receive an additional annual salary as provided by law during his tenure as chairman to be paid in equal monthly installments, in the same manner as other state salaries are paid.

(c) The present elected chairman and two (2) designated members now comprising the public service commission, or their successors, comprise the public service commission for purposes of this section.

(d) Upon the expiration of the term of any member he shall be reappointed or a successor shall be appointed for a term of six (6) years or except in case of a vacancy. Each member shall hold office until his successor is appointed and qualified. The governor may remove any member as provided in W.S. 9-1-202.

(e) In case of a vacancy, it shall be filled by appointment by the governor in accordance with W.S. 28-12-101.

(f) Each member, within thirty (30) days after notice of his appointment and before entering upon the discharge of his duties, shall take, subscribe and file with the secretary of state the oath of office prescribed by the constitution of this state. Effective July 1, 1979, appointments and terms under this act shall be in accordance with W.S. 28-12-101 through 28-12-103.