West Virginia Senate Bill 418 (2012)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That §62-12-12 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended and reenacted to read as follows:

'''ARTICLE 12. PROBATION AND PAROLE.'''

§62-12-12. Parole board generally.

(a) The West Virginia Parole Board is continued. The board shall consist of nine members, each of whom shall have been a resident of this state for at least five consecutive years prior to his or her appointment. No more than five of the board members may at any one time belong to the same political party. The board shall be appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b) Appointments shall be made in such a manner that each congressional district is represented and so that no more than four and no less than two members of the board reside in any one congressional district. No more than two members of the board may reside in any one county.

(c) Any person initially appointed to the board on or after July 1, 2012, shall have a degree from an accredited college or university or at least five years of actual experience in the fields of corrections, law enforcement, sociology, law, education, psychology, social work, medicine or a combination thereof and shall be otherwise competent to perform the duties of his or her office. The members shall be appointed for overlapping terms of six years. Members are eligible for reappointment. The members of the board shall devote their full time and attention to their board duties. The Governor shall appoint one of the nine appointed members to serve as chairperson at the Governor’s will and pleasure.