This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new section that mandates the implementation of a "Locality Pay" adjustment for state employees, the State Police, and county boards of education, effective July 1, 2027. The legislation recognizes that salaries for state employees in certain areas of West Virginia are becoming uncompetitive compared to neighboring states and the private sector, which hampers recruitment and retention efforts. The Locality Pay adjustments will be based on designations from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) of the United States federal government, with specific criteria for qualifying counties and annual adjustments tied to the OPM's "Locality Pay Table."

Additionally, the bill stipulates that no private cause of action or right to grievance will arise from the enactment or operation of this Locality Pay policy. The provisions require the State Police superintendent and each county board of education to implement these adjustments in accordance with the new section 5-5-7. The bill emphasizes that while adjustments will be made for various positions, they will not mandate salary increases for elected or appointed state officers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-5-7, 15-2-5a, 18A-4-5c