summary
Introduced
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
In Committee
03/05/2026
03/05/2026
Crossed Over
03/04/2026
03/04/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
A BILL to amend and reenact §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, and §49-10-101 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to repeal §29-6-8, §29-6-9, §29-6-10a, §29-6-14, §29-6-25, §29-6-27, §49-10-102, and §49-10-103 of said code, relating to streamlining and reforming the Division of Personnel systems; eliminating special merit-based personnel system for Department of Transportation employees; transferring duplicative Department of Transportation personnel duties to the Division of Personnel; exempting new hires and promoted employees within the Department of Transportation from the classified civil service system and the state grievance procedures beginning on July 1, 2026; eliminating special merit-based personnel system for the State Tax Division and Bureau for Social Services; transferring duplicative State Tax Division and Bureau for Social Services personnel duties to the Division of Personnel; clarifying definitions related to the state’s personnel systems; defining classified and classified-exempt service; removing provisions allowing additions to the classified service; identifying and defining exemptions from the classified service; streamlining the functions of the Division of Personnel; terminating the State Personnel Board; transferring authority from the State Personnel Board to the Division of Personnel; clarifying and identifying the duties of the Division of Personnel; clarifying the rulemaking authority for the Division of Personnel; clarifying that the records of the division are subject to the Freedom of Information Act and its exemptions for personal identifying and personal health information; shortening the time frames for classified job openings and appointments; shifting the leave donation program to a program provided for through rulemaking; modernizing processes for posting job openings in classified service; removing archaic provisions; and technical cleanup throughout.
AI Summary
This bill aims to streamline and reform West Virginia's state personnel system by centralizing many functions within the Division of Personnel (DP), the state agency responsible for managing state employee matters. Key provisions include eliminating separate, special merit-based personnel systems for the Department of Transportation (DOT), the State Tax Division, and the Bureau for Social Services, and transferring their personnel duties to the DP. Beginning July 1, 2026, new hires and promoted employees within the DOT will be exempt from the classified civil service system and state grievance procedures, though existing employees will retain their current status. The bill also terminates the State Personnel Board, transferring its authority and responsibilities to the Director of the Division of Personnel, and clarifies definitions related to state personnel systems, including distinguishing between classified and classified-exempt service. It modernizes processes for posting job openings, shortens timeframes for job openings and appointments, and shifts the leave donation program to be managed through rulemaking. Additionally, the bill clarifies that DP records are subject to the Freedom of Information Act, with specific exemptions for personal information, and removes outdated provisions to clean up the code.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs, Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
On 2nd reading, rereferred to Judiciary (on 03/11/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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