This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the responsibilities of the Commissioner of Agriculture, particularly regarding the safeguarding of privileged information. It introduces a new provision that mandates the commissioner to protect all privileged information shared with the department, including specific locations and addresses. The commissioner is granted the authority to determine what information is considered privileged, which will be exempt from public disclosure under existing laws.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the transfer of state-owned properties without consideration to local entities for public services. Specifically, it allows for the transfer of approximately 250 acres of land known as the Huntington State Hospital institutional farm to the Village of Barboursville and all lots owned by the Department of Agriculture in the City of Ellenboro to the City of Ellenboro. These changes aim to facilitate public service initiatives while ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive information handled by the Department of Agriculture.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 19-1-4