The bill amends the West Virginia Code regarding the appointment of officers within the West Virginia State Police, specifically updating section 15-2-4. A significant change is the increase in the number of principal supervisors from the previous limit to a total of 20. These principal supervisors will hold temporary ranks of lieutenant colonel, major, or captain, and their appointments will be at the discretion of the superintendent. Additionally, the bill allows for the appointment of two additional supervisors from the executive protection section, who will hold the temporary rank of first lieutenant.

The bill also clarifies that appointments to these temporary ranks are exempt from the eligibility requirements of the career progression system, although members appointed to the rank of first lieutenant must have at least two years of service in the executive protection section. Importantly, members appointed to temporary ranks will retain their eligibility for promotion under the career progression system, and upon termination of a temporary appointment, they 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
Enrolled Version: 15-2-4