The bill amends the Code of West Virginia, specifically section 15-2-4, regarding the appointment of officers within the West Virginia State Police. A significant change proposed in the bill is the increase in the number of principal supervisors from nineteen to twenty. This adjustment allows the superintendent of the State Police to appoint up to twenty principal supervisors who will hold temporary ranks of lieutenant colonel, major, or captain, and receive corresponding compensation. Additionally, the bill maintains provisions for appointing two supervisors from the executive protection section at the temporary rank of first lieutenant.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that appointments to these temporary ranks are exempt from the eligibility requirements of the career progression system, although specific conditions apply for those appointed from the executive protection section. It ensures that members appointed to temporary ranks retain their eligibility for promotion or reclassification under the career progression system, provided their permanent rank is below first lieutenant. The bill also stipulates that upon termination of a temporary appointment, members cannot be reduced to a rank lower than their permanent rank unless due to disciplinary action.

Statutes affected:
Originating in Committee: 15-2-4
Engrossed Version: 15-2-4