This bill amends various sections of the West Virginia Code to formally include the United States Space Force in the definition of the "Armed Forces of the United States," alongside existing branches such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. It also revises military service credit provisions for members of the West Virginia Public Employees Retirement Act, adjusting the maximum period of military service credit that can be purchased from sixty months to 60 months. The bill clarifies the conditions under which military service credit can be purchased, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and specifies that such credit cannot be considered contributory service for retirement purposes.

Additionally, the bill introduces the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, aimed at facilitating the educational success of children from military families by removing barriers related to enrollment and record transfers. It establishes the West Virginia Council for Educational Opportunity for Military Children to coordinate the implementation of this compact and outlines the responsibilities of county boards of education regarding the educational records of military children. The legislation also creates a framework for a Military Service Members Court to provide specialized treatment for military personnel involved in the criminal justice system, emphasizing the need for evaluations to assess the impact of military service on legal circumstances.

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