This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 5F-2-9, to the Code of West Virginia, which will exempt new hires and promoted employees within the Departments of Health Facilities, Human Services, and Health from the classified civil service system and state grievance procedures, effective July 1, 2026. The intent is to provide these departments with greater flexibility in managing their workforce, including aspects such as promotion, transfer, layoff, removal, discipline, and compensation.

Under the new provisions, 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 state grievance procedures will continue to have that access. Additionally, if an employee leaves their position and remains within the state system, they will be transferred to the classified exempt service. The bill also grants department secretaries the authority to designate employee status as necessary to comply with federal laws or funding requirements, while ensuring that the provisions against nepotism, favoritism, discrimination, and unethical practices remain in effect.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5F-2-9