meetings with or accepting gifts and campaign contributions from utility representatives. In 2003, the legislature passed the Mississippi Telephone Solicitation Act, creating an official state do not call list and giving the PSC the power to fine telemarketers who called persons who registered their phone numbers on the list. On July 1, 2004, the responsibility for regulating motor carriers was transferred from the PSC to the Mississippi Department of Transportation. Powers and responsibilities The Public Service Commission is responsible for regulating telecommunications, electric, gas, water, and sewer utilities in Mississippi. It monitors and approves rates charged to consumers, monitors the delivery of services, and determines whether the construction of utility facilities are for the benefit of the public. Per state law, it can fix "reasonable standards, regulations and practices of service" for utility companies and impose safety standards on gas utilities. When a new executive director of the Public Utilities Staff is sought, the commissioners are required to suggest at least three candidates for the post to the governor, who then nominates one of the candidates to be confirmed in the post by the State Senate. The PSC fields utility consumer complaints, holds hearings, and makes investigations into utility complaints and instances of telemarketing fraud. The commission has the power to issue subpoenas. It can prescribe mandates to utility companies and fine them up to $5,000 per day for outstanding violations and can issue fines no greater than $10,000 to telemarketing firms which violate state laws. Structure The Public Service Commission is led by three commissioners. One commissioner is elected by voters in each of the state's three Supreme Court districts. Commissioners are elected in the general election of the same year that other state and county officials are chosen. They serve four-year terms beginning on January 1 of the year following the election. Vacancies are filled by gubernatorial appointment. The commissioners' individual salaries are $78,000 per year, but are set to increase to $95,000 annually in 2024. They are required to meet by law the first Tuesday of every month in their office, though they may skip up to two such meetings per annum. They may also convene additional meetings elsewhere as they deem necessary. The meetings are subject to the state open meeting law and the presence of two commissioners constitutes a quorum. The commission's activities are funded by appropriations from the State Legislature. The agency is headquartered