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 clarifies that while commissioners are not entitled to compensation for their services, they may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred while performing their official duties, with reimbursement limits aligned with those for members of the Legislature. The overall intent of the bill is to strengthen the commission's capacity to address wildlife conservation issues in West Virginia by ensuring that its members possess relevant scientific expertise.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 20-1-16
Engrossed Version: 20-1-16