The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to clarify the powers and duties of the commissioner of the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation specifically regarding the management of Stevens Correctional Center. It establishes that the commissioner will manage, direct, control, and govern the facility, which has been transferred from the county commission of McDowell County to the state. The bill also authorizes the transfer of all facilities, equipment, and assets associated with Stevens Correctional Center to the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and it clarifies that all debt liabilities related to the center have been assumed by the state. Additionally, it mandates the transfer of county employees from Stevens Correctional Center to the state’s classified service system, ensuring they retain their rank and accrued leave.

Furthermore, the bill updates the list of institutions managed by the commissioner to include Stevens Correctional Center, thereby formalizing its status as a state-run facility. This legislative change is intended to streamline the management of correctional facilities in West Virginia and ensure that the operations of Stevens Correctional Center align with those of other state institutions. The bill is set to take effect 90 days after its passage, on July 8, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15A-3-12, 15A-3-4a
Engrossed Version: 15A-3-12, 15A-3-4a
Enrolled Version: 15A-3-12, 15A-3-4a