This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to mandate that all law-enforcement officers must provide proof of U.S. citizenship as a condition for certification. The new language specifies that individuals cannot be employed as law-enforcement officers unless they meet this citizenship requirement, with exceptions made for those who are already employed and have met other certification requirements. Additionally, the bill clarifies that individuals who are currently employed as law-enforcement officers are exempt from the citizenship requirement, provided they have met the necessary certification standards.

The bill also outlines the conditions under which individuals may be conditionally employed as law-enforcement officers while they pursue certification. It establishes a timeline for submitting applications to attend law-enforcement training academies and details the consequences for failing to achieve certification, including automatic termination of employment. The subcommittee responsible for certification is granted authority to decertify or reactivate officers and to issue subpoenas for evidence in related proceedings. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the qualifications for law-enforcement officers in West Virginia by enforcing citizenship requirements while allowing for certain exceptions for current employees.

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