Bill > HB5454

This bill modifies the oversight of the West Virginia Fusion Center, a facility that collects and analyzes information for law enforcement and security purposes, by changing the powers of the select committee responsible for its oversight. Key changes include removing the requirement for select committee members to have security clearance, clarifying their access to the Fusion Center's facilities, systems, and records during regular operating hours and by mutual agreement outside of those hours, while explicitly excluding access to classified information, partner agency systems, and personally identifiable information (PII) of individuals. The bill also mandates an annual audit of the Fusion Center by the Legislative Auditor, to be completed by December 1st each year, which will review non-classified operations, internal investigations, disciplinary actions, compliance with federal regulations like 28 C.F.R. Part 23, employee training, security incidents, purchasing processes, data safeguarding policies, physical security, equipment, software, and inter-agency agreements, with the goal of recommending best practices and ensuring legal compliance. The audit will also exclude classified information and PII, and any findings of intentional violations or egregious conduct will be referred to law enforcement for potential prosecution.

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5454&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill