The bill amends various sections of the West Virginia Code to include the United States Space Force in the definitions related to military service and benefits for public employees. It updates the definition of "armed forces of the United States" to explicitly mention the Space Force, ensuring that its members receive the same rights and benefits as those serving in other military branches regarding retirement and service credit. The bill also outlines provisions for military service credit for public employees who have served in the armed forces, including the Space Force, detailing the conditions for receiving credited service, the process for purchasing military service credit, and the treatment of military service in relation to retirement systems.

Additionally, the bill establishes the West Virginia Council for Educational Opportunity for Military Children to coordinate the state's participation in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. This compact aims to facilitate the educational success of children from military families by ensuring timely enrollment, appropriate placement in educational programs, and participation in extracurricular activities. The Council will consist of various members, including the State Superintendent of Schools and representatives from military installations, and will oversee the implementation of the compact while promoting cooperation between educational systems and military families. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance benefits for military personnel and their families while improving educational opportunities for 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