The bill reorganizes the executive branch of West Virginia by abolishing the Department of Arts, Culture, and History and transferring its functions to the Department of Tourism, effective July 1, 2025. The Secretary of the Department of Tourism will oversee various sections and commissions, including the Arts Section and the Archives and History Section. New hires and employees transitioning within the Department of Tourism will be classified as exempt from state grievance procedures and the classified civil service system, while still maintaining certain employee protections. The bill also grants the Secretary authority to appoint directors for the newly organized sections, manage operations, and engage in advertising and marketing initiatives.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Commission on the Arts to advise the Secretary on arts-related matters and manage grants for cultural initiatives. It outlines the responsibilities of the State Library Section and the Historic Preservation Section, including the appointment of qualified directors and the development of rules for state-funded projects. The bill emphasizes the confidentiality of library records, the establishment of regional libraries, and the management of historical and cultural resources. It also mandates that any development on land subject to review by the State Historic Preservation Office must comply with federal requirements and be conducted expediently. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency of library services and historic preservation efforts in West Virginia.

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
Enrolled Version: 5B-2I-2, 5B-2I-4, 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, 29-1-9, 29-1-11, 29-1-12, 29-1-13, 29-1-14, 29-1-15, 5F-1-3a, 5F-1-6, 29-1-10