The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to require the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development to establish a West Virginia Produced or Manufactured Program, which will serve as the official marketing initiative for products made in the state. This program aims to enhance the visibility and marketability of West Virginia products by setting participation requirements, categorizing producers and manufacturers, and creating a distinctive logo for these products. Additionally, the Secretary is tasked with proposing legislative rules to implement this program effectively.

In the amendments, the bill modifies the language regarding the use of resources from the Department of Commerce, changing "utilize" to "use" for clarity. It also updates the designation of positions exempt from the state's classified service from "shall be" to "are." Furthermore, the Department of Economic Development is explicitly stated to be exempt from certain provisions of the code, ensuring its operational flexibility. Overall, the bill aims to bolster economic development through strategic marketing of local products.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5B-2-3
Committee Substitute: 5B-2-3