This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 15-2-5a, to the Code of West Virginia, aimed at enhancing the salaries of State Police troopers through a market pay enhancement mechanism. The legislation outlines the necessity for competitive pay to attract and retain certified State Police troopers, particularly in regions where the cost of living is higher than the state average. It establishes a formula for calculating market pay enhancements based on the median home prices in the trooper's region compared to the West Virginia median home price, ensuring that troopers are compensated fairly relative to their counterparts in neighboring states.

The bill mandates that the West Virginia State Police will determine the necessary market pay enhancements every five years, with the first calculation set for January 1, 2026. The State Police will certify the required enhancements to the State Auditor, who will then distribute the funds to eligible troopers. These enhancements will be in addition to any existing salary schedules and will be subject to personal income tax. Importantly, the bill specifies that troopers will not have the right to grievance procedures regarding market pay disparities, and it allows for the State Police to propose rules for implementing these provisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-2-5a