This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish stricter residency requirements for members of county and municipal development authorities. Specifically, it mandates that all members must be residents of West Virginia for at least five years immediately prior to their appointment and must reside in the county or municipality where the development authority is located. The bill also clarifies the qualifications for members, stating that those who do not meet these residency requirements will not be grandfathered in.

Additionally, the bill modifies the composition of the boards governing these authorities, specifying that they must consist of a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 21 qualified individuals. It also includes provisions for the appointment and removal of members, ensuring that the appointing agencies have the authority to manage board membership effectively. The bill aims to enhance local representation and accountability within development authorities by ensuring that members have a vested interest in the communities they serve.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 7-12-3, 7-12-3a, 7-12-4