This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to provide a pay equity salary adjustment and increase for full-time equivalent non-uniform administrative staff employed by the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The proposed salary adjustment totals $6,000, distributed over three years, with annual increases of $2,000 scheduled for July 1 of 2026, 2027, and 2028. Funding for these salary adjustments will come from general revenue appropriations to the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, with specific provisions for employees at regional jails to be funded from a designated special revenue fund.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that if the salary increase results in an employee exceeding the maximum allowable pay for their grade, the increase will still be honored. The legislation aims to address recruitment and retention challenges within the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation by ensuring competitive compensation for non-uniform administrative staff. The bill also includes provisions that assert its authority over any conflicting rules or policies, emphasizing that it is intended to be rehabilitative in nature and does not create a private cause of action.

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