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 starting July 1, 2026. The bill emphasizes the need for flexibility in managing employees within these departments to better attract and retain staff. It specifies that current employees in these departments will retain their classified civil service status and access to grievance procedures as long as they remain in their current positions.

Furthermore, the bill grants the secretaries of these departments the authority to designate employee status under the classified civil service system and grievance procedures to comply with federal laws or funding requirements. It also clarifies that the exemption does not apply to positions appointed by the Governor and maintains prohibitions against nepotism, favoritism, discrimination, and unethical practices in employee management. Overall, the bill aims to streamline personnel management within key health departments while ensuring compliance with ethical standards.

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