WV HB5199

County courts are authorized to create county Parks, Entertainment, and Recreation Commissions (PERCs) to establish, improve, and operate public parks and recreation systems

Counties may be exempt from creating a PERC if they demonstrate fiscal inability or already have an existing parks and recreation board established through the county commission, legislation, or a charitable nonprofit organization

Commission membership changes from a fixed 11 members to an odd number determined by the county commission based on county population

All commission members must be bona fide residents of the county and own real estate within the county, serving three-year terms with staggered initial appointments

Members who cease to be county residents are disqualified, and vacancies due to death, resignation, or residency change are filled by county court appointment for the unexpired term