This bill proposes amendments to the Natural Resources Commission as outlined in the Code of West Virginia, specifically section 20-1-16. The key change involves increasing the number of commission members from seven to eleven by adding four new members in 2025. These additional members must be wildlife biologists from the Division of Natural Resources, each specializing in specific areas: deer, bears, turkeys, and fisheries. This amendment aims to enhance the commission's expertise in wildlife management and conservation.

Additionally, the bill maintains the existing structure of the commission, which includes appointments made by the Governor with Senate consent, and stipulates that commissioners cannot hold other public office or be involved in political party committees. The bill also clarifies that while commissioners are not compensated for their service, they may be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred while performing their official duties. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen the commission's focus on wildlife conservation by ensuring that its members possess relevant expertise.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 20-1-16