The bill, set to take effect on July 1, 2026, aims to reform and streamline the personnel systems within the West Virginia state government by amending and repealing various sections of the Code of West Virginia. Key changes include the elimination of special merit-based personnel systems for the Department of Transportation, the State Tax Division, and the Bureau for Social Services, with their personnel duties being transferred to the Division of Personnel. New hires and promoted employees in the Department of Transportation will be exempt from the classified civil service system and state grievance procedures starting on the effective date. The bill also terminates the State Personnel Board, transferring its authority to the Division of Personnel, and clarifies definitions related to personnel systems while identifying exemptions from the classified service.

Furthermore, the bill modernizes job posting processes, shortens time frames for classified job openings and appointments, and ensures that records of the Division of Personnel are subject to the Freedom of Information Act, with specific exemptions for personal identifying and health information. It establishes that the Bureau for Social Services will no longer have the authority to create a classified personnel system, with all personnel falling under the existing personnel code. The bill also outlines the qualifications, powers, and duties of the Director of Personnel, who will oversee personnel programs and policies, implement training programs, and ensure compliance with merit principles in public employment. Overall, the legislation seeks to create a more efficient and centralized personnel management system across state agencies while modernizing the personnel framework.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5F-2-8, 11B-1-8, 29-6-1, 29-6-2, 29-6-4, 29-6-5, 29-6-6, 29-6-7, 29-6-10, 29-6-16, 29-6-24, 49-10-101, 29-6-8, 29-6-9, 29-6-10a, 29-6-14, 29-6-25, 29-6-27, 49-10-102, 49-10-103
Committee Substitute: 5F-2-8, 11B-1-8, 29-6-1, 29-6-2, 29-6-4, 29-6-5, 29-6-6, 29-6-7, 29-6-10, 29-6-16, 29-6-24, 49-10-101, 29-6-8, 29-6-9, 29-6-10a, 29-6-14, 29-6-25, 29-6-27, 49-10-102, 49-10-103
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 5F-2-8, 11B-1-8, 29-6-1, 29-6-2, 29-6-4, 29-6-5, 29-6-6, 29-6-7, 29-6-10, 29-6-16, 29-6-24, 49-10-101, 29-6-8, 29-6-9, 29-6-10a, 29-6-14, 29-6-25, 29-6-27, 49-10-102, 49-10-103
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 5F-2-8, 11B-1-8, 29-6-1, 29-6-2, 29-6-4, 29-6-5, 29-6-6, 29-6-7, 29-6-10, 29-6-16, 29-6-24, 49-10-101, 29-6-8, 29-6-9, 29-6-10a, 29-6-14, 29-6-25, 29-6-27, 49-10-102, 49-10-103