This bill proposes extensive amendments to the West Virginia Code, primarily focusing on the reorganization of the executive branch, particularly the Department of Commerce and its divisions. Notable changes include the redesignation of the Department of Economic Development as the Division of Economic Development, the establishment of a classified exempt service system for new hires starting July 1, 2025, and the abolition of the Department of Arts, Culture, and History, with its responsibilities transferred to the newly structured Department of Tourism. The bill also grants the Governor the authority to appoint the Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, aligning employment provisions with those of the Department of Commerce.

Additionally, the bill introduces several initiatives aimed at enhancing economic development, such as the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment Fund, the Small Business Supplier Certification Assistance Pilot Program, and the Certified Sites and Development Readiness Program. It emphasizes the importance of tourism by outlining the responsibilities of the Department of Tourism, which will now oversee various cultural and historical initiatives previously managed by the abolished department. The bill also includes provisions for the management of broadband development, ensuring the protection of proprietary business information related to broadband deployment. Overall, the bill aims to streamline operations within the executive branch while promoting economic growth and tourism in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5B-1-1, 5B-1-2, 5B-2-1, 5B-2-2, 5B-2-3, 5B-2-3b, 5B-2-4, 5B-2-4a, 5B-2-5, 5B-2-6, 5B-2-6a, 5B-2-9a, 5B-2-10, 5B-2-14, 5B-2-16, 5B-2-17, 5B-2-18, 5B-2-19, 5B-2-20, 5B-2I-2, 5B-2I-4, 5F-1-2, 5F-1-3a, 5F-1-6, 5F-2-1, 5F-3-2, 10-5-2, 15-1A-1, 15A-1-3, 15A-1-9, 29-1-1, 29-1-1a, 29-1-2, 29-1-3, 29-1-4, 29-1-6, 29-1-7, 29-1-8, 29-1-8c, 29-1-8d, 29-1-9, 29-1-10, 29-1-11, 29-1-12, 29-1-13, 29-1-14, 29-1-15, 31G-1A-1, 31G-1A-5, 31G-1A-6, 31G-1A-7, 12-1A-9