This bill proposes a comprehensive reorganization of West Virginia's executive branch, particularly focusing on the Department of Commerce and its divisions. It aims to repeal existing provisions related to the Department of Economic Development, redesignating it as the Division of Economic Development under the Department of Commerce. The bill also abolishes the Department of Arts, Culture, and History, transferring its functions to the newly elevated Department of Tourism, which will adopt a classified exempt service system for employees starting July 1, 2025. Additionally, the bill outlines the appointment of the Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and specifies the authority of the Secretary of Tourism over various sections and commissions.

Moreover, the bill establishes several new programs and funds, including the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment Fund and the Certified Sites and Development Readiness Program, both aimed at enhancing economic development and site readiness in the state. It also creates the Small Business Supplier Certification Assistance Pilot Program in collaboration with Marshall University to improve small business participation in government contracting. The bill emphasizes the importance of tourism, allowing the Department of Tourism to acquire property, produce media content, and engage in advertising efforts. It also mandates annual reporting on tourism development and funding needs, while ensuring that employees in the reorganized departments are exempt from state grievance procedures, with certain exceptions for existing classified civil service members. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and promote economic growth 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