This bill amends sections 7-12-3, 7-12-3a, and 7-12-4 of the Code of West Virginia to establish stricter residency requirements for members of county and municipal development authorities. It mandates that all appointed members must be residents of West Virginia for at least five years prior to their appointment and must also reside in the specific county or municipality where the development authority is located. The bill introduces new qualifications for members, including a requirement that they cannot be grandfathered in if they do not meet these residency criteria.

Additionally, the bill specifies that any county board, commission, authority, or committee serving at the pleasure of the county commission must have members who have resided in West Virginia for a minimum of five years and in the respective county for at least one year. The language also clarifies the composition of the boards, ensuring that they consist of qualified individuals as defined in the new provisions. Overall, the bill aims to enhance local governance by ensuring that authority members have a strong connection to the communities they serve.

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