This bill proposes to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 5F-2-9, which will exempt new hires and promoted employees within the Bureau of Senior Services, Department of Administration, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Revenue, and Department of Veterans Affairs from the classified civil service system and the state grievance procedures, effective July 1, 2025. The bill aims to provide these departments with greater flexibility in managing their workforce, including aspects such as promotion, transfer, layoff, removal, discipline, and compensation.

Under the new provisions, current employees in these departments who are members of the classified civil service system will retain their status as long as they remain in their positions. Additionally, employees who currently have access to the state grievance procedures will continue to do so while in their current roles. However, if an employee leaves their position and is subsequently re-employed within the same department, they will be transferred to the classified exempt service system and will no longer have access to the grievance procedures. The bill also allows department secretaries to designate certain employees' status under the classified civil service system as necessary to comply with federal laws or regulations, while ensuring that the provisions against nepotism, favoritism, discrimination, and unethical practices remain in effect.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5F-2-9