summary
Introduced
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
In Committee
03/12/2026
03/12/2026
Crossed Over
03/04/2026
03/04/2026
Passed
03/14/2026
03/14/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/14/2026
03/14/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT 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 systems by centralizing many functions within the Division of Personnel, which is the state agency responsible for managing employee hiring, classification, and compensation. Key provisions include eliminating separate, special personnel systems for the Department of Transportation, the State Tax Division, and the Bureau for Social Services, transferring their personnel duties to the Division of Personnel. Starting July 1, 2026, new hires and promoted employees within the Department of Transportation 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 to the Division of Personnel, clarifies definitions of "classified service" (positions covered by the Division of Personnel's system) and "classified-exempt service" (positions that are not fully covered by the classified system), and streamlines the Division of Personnel's functions, including modernizing job posting processes and shortening timeframes for hiring. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the Division of Personnel's records are subject to the Freedom of Information Act, with exceptions for personal information, and shifts the leave donation program to be managed through rulemaking.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs, Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Approved by Governor 3/27/2026 (on 03/27/2026)
Official Document
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