The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to provide greater flexibility in the management of employees within the Department of Health Facilities, Department of Human Services, and the Department of Health. Starting July 1, 2026, employees in these departments will be exempt from the state grievance procedures and the classified civil service system, with certain exceptions. Specifically, current employees who are members of the classified civil service will retain their status as long as they remain in their positions, and those with access to grievance procedures will continue to have that access under the same conditions. Additionally, employees who leave their positions and remain within the state system will be transferred to the classified exempt service system.

The bill also grants the secretaries of these departments the authority to designate employee status under the classified civil service system and grievance procedures as necessary to comply with federal laws or funding requirements. However, the provisions of this bill do not apply to positions appointed by the Governor, and it maintains prohibitions against nepotism, favoritism, discrimination, and unethical practices in employee management.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5F-2-9
Committee Substitute: 5F-2-9
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 5F-2-9
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 49-2-102