The bill introduced on January 14, 2026, seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 17-2A-4c, which authorizes the West Virginia Commissioner of Highways to implement locality pay for employees of the Division of Highways. This locality pay is intended for employees working in specific jurisdictions identified by the commissioner as needing additional compensation to effectively recruit and retain staff in a competitive job market.

Under this new provision, the commissioner can approve a locality pay differential that may exceed the established maximum salary range for an employee's position, with a cap of $10,000 per year added to their regular salary or hourly pay. The commissioner is also required to propose rules for legislative approval to ensure the effective implementation of this locality pay system. The bill aims to enhance the Division of Highways' ability to attract and keep qualified employees in designated areas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17-2A-4c