This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 5-5-4c, to the Code of West Virginia, aimed at addressing pay equity for employees of the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The Legislature recognizes the challenges in recruiting and retaining staff within this division and mandates a pay equity salary adjustment for all employees, regardless of their work location. Specifically, full-time equivalent non-uniform administrative staff who have been employed for three years or more will receive a three percent salary increase effective July 1, 2026. New employees or those with less than three years of service will also be eligible for the same adjustment after reaching the three-year mark.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that funding for these salary adjustments will come from general revenue appropriations to the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. It clarifies that if any part of this section conflicts with existing rules or policies, this new provision will take precedence. Additionally, it ensures that employees receiving the pay raise may exceed the maximum allowable salary for their pay grade without affecting the implementation of the increase. The bill emphasizes that it is intended to be rehabilitative in nature, and no private cause of action will arise from its provisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-5-4c