This bill amends sections of the Code of West Virginia to establish residency requirements for members of county and municipal development authorities. Specifically, it mandates that at least half of the members of these authorities must be West Virginia residents who have maintained continuous residency for a minimum of six months prior to their appointment. Additionally, these members must reside in the county or municipality where the development authority is located. The bill also stipulates that a county commissioner serving on a board or authority shall be a voting member.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions that allow for the appointment of up to four members from contiguous counties, regardless of their state residency, to foster economic partnerships. It also clarifies that any member not meeting the new residency requirements may be grandfathered in. Lastly, it establishes that individuals serving on any county board, commission, authority, or committee at the pleasure of the county commission must have been residents of West Virginia and the respective county for at least six months.

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