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. A significant change includes the redesignation of the Department of Economic Development as the Division of Economic Development, effective July 1, 2025. The bill exempts new hires and employees transitioning within the Department of Commerce and the Division of Economic Development from state grievance procedures and the classified civil service system. Additionally, it abolishes the Department of Arts, Culture, and History, redistributing its functions to the newly elevated Department of Tourism, which will also see similar employee exemptions. The bill further establishes the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment Fund and the Certified Sites and Development Readiness Program, both aimed at enhancing economic development and supporting small businesses.

Moreover, the bill outlines the powers and responsibilities of the Department of Tourism, emphasizing its role in promoting tourism and collaboration with local governments. It allows the Department to acquire property, produce media content, and charge fees for services while mandating annual reporting on tourism development. The bill also reorganizes various state departments, incorporating several boards and agencies into specific departments, and updates legal language to reflect these changes. Notably, it establishes the West Virginia Motorsport Committee and the West Virginia Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Advisory Council to promote industry growth. Overall, the bill aims to streamline operations within the executive branch, enhance economic development efforts, and improve the governance of cultural and historical initiatives 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