Legislation of 1905 established a Railroad Commission of three members, to be appointed by the Governor (Chap. 362). The Commission succeeded the Railroad Commissioner's Department which had been established in 1874. The name of this agency was changed in 1931 to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. The Commission was granted extensive powers to investigate complaints against railroad companies, and its scrutiny extended to such matters as scheduling, station maintenance, fairness of rates, and money expended on construction. The Commission's jurisdiction was broadened to include the regulation of public utilities; of auto transportation companies and common carriers; and of stocks, bonds, and securities.
See the Agency History in the catalog.
