This bill proposes a comprehensive restructuring of the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History by abolishing it and transferring its functions to the newly established Department of Tourism, effective July 1, 2025. The bill outlines that the Secretary of the Department of Tourism will oversee various sections and commissions, including the Arts Section, Archives and History Section, Museums Section, and others, granting the Secretary the authority to appoint directors and manage operations. Additionally, it exempts new hires and employees transitioning within the Department of Tourism from state grievance procedures, allowing for greater flexibility in staffing.

The legislation also includes technical amendments to update existing laws, such as changing references from the "Division of Culture and History" to the "Department of Tourism" and replacing the term "commissioner" with "secretary" in various contexts. It establishes a State Library Commission under the Department of Tourism to enhance library services and introduces a Library Facilities Improvement Fund to support public library projects. Furthermore, the bill clarifies the roles of the National Coal Heritage Area Commission and emphasizes the importance of preserving West Virginia's cultural and historical heritage while streamlining administrative functions across the newly organized department.

Statutes affected:
Originating in Committee: 5B-2I-2, 5B-2I-4, 5F-2-1, 10-5-2, 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, 29-1-11, 29-1-12, 29-1-13, 29-1-14, 29-1-15, 5F-1-3a, 5F-1-6, 29-1-10
Introduced Version: 5B-2I-2, 5B-2I-4, 5F-2-1, 10-5-2, 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, 29-1-11, 29-1-12, 29-1-13, 29-1-14, 29-1-15, 5F-1-3a, 5F-1-6, 29-1-10
Engrossed Version: 5B-2I-2, 5B-2I-4, 5F-2-1, 10-5-2, 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, 29-1-11, 29-1-12, 29-1-13, 29-1-14, 29-1-15, 5F-1-3a, 5F-1-6, 29-1-10