The bill amends the West Virginia Code to include the United States Space Force in the definitions related to military service and benefits for public employees, ensuring that members of the Space Force receive the same rights and benefits as those in other military branches. It updates the definition of "armed forces of the United States" to explicitly mention the Space Force, and outlines conditions for public employees to receive military service credit, including honorable discharge requirements and a framework for purchasing military service credit. Additionally, the bill clarifies various definitions and provisions related to the West Virginia Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System, enhancing retirement benefits for these public employees.

Furthermore, the bill introduces the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, aimed at facilitating the educational success of children from military families. It establishes guidelines for enrollment, transfer of educational records, and eligibility for extracurricular activities, while creating the West Virginia Council for Educational Opportunity for Military Children to oversee the implementation of the compact. The bill also details the responsibilities of the Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, including enforcement of compliance and dispute resolution among member states, while providing for the financing and operational structure of the Commission. Overall, the bill seeks to improve retirement benefits for public employees and support the educational needs of military children.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-10-15, 8-22A-2, 9A-3-1, 11-21-12, 15-2-28, 15-2A-2, 18-7A-17a, 18-10F-2, 30-29-6, 48-31-102, 62-16-3
Committee Substitute: 5-10-15, 8-22A-2, 9A-3-1, 11-21-12, 15-2-28, 15-2A-2, 18-7A-17a, 18-10F-2, 30-29-6, 48-31-102, 62-16-3
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 5-10-15, 8-22A-2, 9A-3-1, 11-21-12, 15-2-28, 15-2A-2, 18-7A-17a, 18-10F-2, 30-29-6, 48-31-102, 62-16-3
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 5-10-15, 8-22A-2, 9A-3-1, 11-21-12, 15-2-28, 15-2A-2, 18-7A-17a, 18-10F-2, 30-29-6, 48-31-102, 62-16-3