Adopted by House March 7, 2012

SB418 H JUD AM 3-5 #1

    The Committee on the Judiciary moves to amend the bill on page one, following the enacting clause, by striking out the remainder of the bill and inserting in lieu thereof the following language:

    “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.

    There shall be a state board of parole, known as (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 following the effective date of this section 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. Each member of the board shall have a degree in criminal justice, or like experience and academic training

    (c) Any person initially appointed to the board on or after July 1, 2012, shall have at least a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university institution and at least five years of actual experience in the fields of penology, corrections, law enforcement, sociology, law, education, psychology, social work, medicine or a combination thereof Each member of the board shall have a degree in criminal justice, sociology, law, education, psychology, social work, or medicine, or like experience and academic training 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. Any member qualified under this section is 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.”