WEST virginia legislature

2022 regular session

Committee Substitute

for

Senate Bill 537

By Senators Blair (Mr. President) and Baldwin
(By Request of the Executive)

[Originating in the Committee on Government Organization; reported on February 9, 2022]

A BILL to amend and reenact §15-1B-26 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to providing for additional firefighters and security guards for the West Virginia National Guard.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 1B. NATIONAL GUARD

§15-1B-26. Firefighters and security guards to be members of the National Guard.

(a) Only firefighters and security guards who are members of the West Virginia National Guard may be employed by the Adjutant General as firefighters and security guards: Provided, That any person employed as a firefighter on the effective date of this section who is not a member of the West Virginia Air National Guard may continue to be employed as a firefighter: Provided, however, That no person who is not employed on the effective date of this section as a firefighter and who is not a member of the West Virginia Air National Guard may be employed as a firefighter for the West Virginia Air National Guard: Provided further, That any firefighter or security guard employed under this section who reaches age 60 and loses military membership may continue to serve as a civilian firefighter or civilian security guard until they reach age 62.

(b) In the event military deployments, mobilization, or other circumstances result in personnel shortages in the firefighter or security guard force, the Adjutant General may temporarily employ or execute any other agreement necessary to obtain the services of civilian firefighters or civilian security guards as may be required to continue operations.