This bill proposes significant changes to the oversight structure of the West Virginia Fusion Center by terminating the existing Joint Oversight Committee as of June 30, 2026, and establishing a new Fusion Center Joint Oversight Committee effective July 1, 2026. The new committee will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the Fusion Center, ensuring compliance with applicable rules and policies, and conducting annual audits. The bill mandates that the Inspector General perform these audits and respond to inquiries from the committee, while also allowing the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House to summon Fusion Center employees for testimony during committee meetings.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific audit requirements and establishes that any violations of law or policy identified during these audits could lead to disciplinary actions against Fusion Center employees. The oversight audit will assess the operations of the Fusion Center, including compliance with legal standards and the handling of sensitive information. It also stipulates that any egregious misconduct discovered during the audit could result in termination of employment and potential criminal prosecution. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability and transparency within the West Virginia Fusion Center's operations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15A-12-3