WEST virginia legislature

2022 regular session

Introduced

House Bill 4494

By Delegates Hanshaw (Mr. Speaker) and Skaff
[By Request of the Executive]

Introduced February 02, 2022; Referred to the Committee on Government Organization]

A BILL to amend and reenact §15-1B-26 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, to provide for additional firefighters and security guards for the 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, 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 of military deployments, mobilization or other personnel shortages with 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.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to allow firefighters and security guards to continue service until age 62 and permit the use of civilian personnel in the event of deployment or mobilization.

Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.