The bill amends sections 15A-2-4 and 15A-9-3 of the West Virginia Code, focusing on the powers and duties of the Division of Administrative Services. It clarifies that the Director of the Division may enter into agreements with law enforcement agencies within the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate the application for and administration of federal grants that are exclusively available to law enforcement. Additionally, the bill repeals the provision that allowed the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to hear certain appeals, transferring that authority to the Office of Administrative Hearings, which will now have jurisdiction to hear appeals from contested matters before subcommittees of the Governor's Committee on Crime, Delinquency, and Correction.

The bill emphasizes the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies to enhance law enforcement and public safety. It outlines the responsibilities of the Director, including managing federal grant assistance, coordinating criminal justice resources, and maintaining a web-based database for community corrections programs. The changes aim to streamline the process for law enforcement agencies to access federal funding and ensure that appeals related to law enforcement certification and training are handled by the appropriate administrative body.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15A-2-4
Committee Substitute: 15A-2-4, 15A-9-3
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 15A-2-4, 15A-9-3
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 15A-2-4, 15A-9-3