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Introduced Version Senate Bill 523 History

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Key: Green = existing Code. Red = new code to be enacted

WEST virginia Legislature

                        2017 regular session             

Introduced

Senate Bill 523

By Senator Weld

[Introduced March 6, 2017; Referred
to the Committee on Government Organization]

A BILL to amend and reenact §4-2A-2 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; to amend and reenact §11B-2-12 of said code; to amend and reenact §12-3-12a and §12-3-13b of said code; to amend and reenact §15-2-5 of said code; to amend and reenact §18-3-1 of said code; to amend and reenact §20-1-5 of said code; to amend and reenact §20-7-1 of said code; to amend and reenact §22C-1-4 of said code; to amend and reenact §24-1-3 of said code; to amend and reenact §24A-6-6 of said code; to amend and reenact §24B-5-2 of said code; to amend and reenact §25-1-19 of said code; to amend and reenact §31-19-4 of said code; to amend and reenact §33-2-2 of said code; to amend and reenact §50-1-8 and §50-1-9 of said code; to amend and reenact §51-7-3 and §51-7-5 of said code; to amend and reenact §51-8-2 of said code; and to amend and reenact §62-12-5 of said code, all relating to converting to a biweekly pay cycle from a monthly or semimonthly cycle for state employees.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:


That §4-2A-2 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended and reenacted; that §11B-2-12 of said code be amended and reenacted; that §12-3-12a of said code be amended and reenacted; that §12-3-13b of said code be amended and reenacted; that §15-2-5 of said code be amended and reenacted; that §18-3-1 of said code be amended and reenacted; that §20-1-5 of said code be amended and reenacted; that §20-7-1 of said code be amended and reenacted; that §22C-1-4 of said code be amended and reenacted; that §24-1-3 of said code be amended and reenacted; that §24A-6-6 of said code be amended and reenacted; that §24B-5-2 of said code be amended and reenacted; that §25-1-19 of said code be amended and reenacted; that §31-19-4 of said code be amended and reenacted; that §33-2-2 of said code be amended and reenacted; that §50-1-8 and §50-1-9 of said code be amended and reenacted; that §51-7-3 and §51-7-5 of said code be amended and reenacted; that §51-8-2 of said code be amended and reenacted; and that §62-12-5 of said code be amended and reenacted, all to read as follows:

CHAPTER 4. THE LEGISLATURE.


ARTICLE 2A. COMPENSATION FOR AND EXPENSES OF MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE.


§4-2A-2. Basic compensation for services; proration.

(a) Beginning in the calendar year 2009 and for each calendar year after that, each member of the Legislature shall receive as basic compensation for his or her services the sum of $20,000 per calendar year, to be paid as provided in subsection (b) of this section. In addition to the basic compensation, members shall receive the additional compensations as are expressly provided in sections three, four and five of this article. All other increased amounts or new amounts in respect to the compensation of members of the Legislature, set forth in the resolution of the Citizens Legislative Compensation Commission, dated January 9, 2007, and implemented in sections two, four, six and eight of this article providing for new amounts or amounts increased to new amounts greater than those in force and effect on January 1, 2007, become effective for calendar year 2009 and each calendar year after that: Provided, That increased amounts or new amounts in respect to the expenses of members of the Legislature, set forth in said resolution, and implemented in sections six and eight of this article providing for new amounts or amounts increased to new amounts greater than those in force and effect on January 1, 2007, become effective for calendar year 2008 and each calendar year after that.

(b) The basic compensation is payable as follows:

(1) In the year 2009, and every fourth year after that:

(A) Five thousand dollars in each of February, March and April, payable at least twice a per month; and

(B) Six hundred twenty-five dollars in each of January, May, June, July, August, September, October and November, payable once a at least twice per month.

(2) Beginning in 2010, in all years except those described in subdivision (1) of this subsection:

(A) Five thousand dollars in each of January, February and March, payable at least twice a per month; and

(B) Six hundred twenty-five dollars in each of April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November, payable once a at least twice per month;

(c) In the event of the death, resignation or removal of a member of the Legislature and the appointment and qualification of his or her successor, the compensation provided in this section for the month in which the death, resignation or removal of the member of the Legislature occurs shall be prorated between the original member and his or her successor on the basis of the number of days served, including Saturdays and Sundays in the month.


CHAPTER 11B. DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE.


ARTICLE 2. STATE BUDGET OFFICE.


§11B-2-12. Submission of expenditure schedules; contents; submission of information on unpaid obligations; copies to Legislative Auditor.

(a) Prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, the spending officer of a spending unit shall submit to the secretary a detailed expenditure schedule for the ensuing fiscal year. The schedule shall be submitted in such form and at such time as the secretary may require. The schedule shall show:

(1) A proposed monthly biweekly rate of expenditure for amounts appropriated for personal services;

(2) Each and every position budgeted under personal services for the next ensuing fiscal year, with the monthly biweekly salary or compensation of each position;

(3) A proposed quarterly rate of expenditure for amounts appropriated for employee benefits, current expenses, equipment and repairs and alterations classified by a uniform system of accounting as called for in section twenty-five of this article for each item of every appropriation;

(4) A proposed yearly plan of expenditure for amounts appropriated for buildings and lands; and

(5) A proposed quarterly plan of receipts itemized by type of revenue.

(b) The secretary may accept a differently itemized expenditure schedule from a spending unit to which the above itemizations are not applicable.

(c) The secretary shall consult with and assist spending officers in the preparation of expenditure schedules.

(d) Within fifteen days after the end of each month of the fiscal year, the head of every spending unit shall certify to the Legislative Auditor the status of obligations and payments of the spending unit for amounts of employee benefits, including, but not limited to, obligations and payments for social security withholding and employer matching, public employees insurance premiums and public employees retirement and Teachers Retirement Systems.

(e) In the event the Legislative Auditor determines from certified reports or from other sources that any spending unit is not making all payments and transfers for employee benefits from funds appropriated for that purpose, the Legislative Auditor shall notify the secretary of administration, Auditor and treasurer of the determination and thereafter no funds appropriated to the spending unit shall be encumbered or expended for the salary or compensation to the head of the spending unit until the Legislative Auditor determines that the payments or transfers are being made on a timely basis.

(f) When a spending officer submits an expenditure schedule to the secretary as required by this section, the spending officer shall at the same time transmit a copy thereof to the Legislative Auditor and the Joint Committee on Government and Finance or its designee. If a spending officer of a spending unit fails to transmit a copy to the Legislative Auditor on or before the beginning of the fiscal year, the Legislative Auditor shall notify the secretary, Auditor and treasurer of the failure and thereafter no funds appropriated to the spending unit shall be encumbered or expended until the spending officer thereof has transmitted a copy to the Legislative Auditor.


CHAPTER 12. PUBLIC MONEYS AND SECURITIES.


ARTICLE 3. APPROPRIATIONS, EXPENDITURES AND DEDUCTIONS.


§12-3-12a. Payment of salaries of employees of West Virginia board of regents Higher Education Policy Commission, Council for Community and Technical College Education and institutions of higher education in twelve equal monthly installments over the twenty-six biweekly pay cycle.

Notwithstanding the provisions of section twelve of this article, in the event that an employee of the West Virginia board of regents Higher Education Policy Commission, Council for Community and Technical College Education or of any of the institutions which it governs they govern elects to receive his or her salary in twelve equal monthly installments over the complete twenty-six biweekly pay cycle, warrants may be drawn for the last two such installments in biweekly pay periods covering the months of July and August following the fiscal year during which such salary was earned: Provided, That such warrants have been encumbered by said board of regents the commission, council or institution and the Budget Office prior to June 30 of said fiscal year.


§12-3-13b. Voluntary deductions by State Auditor from salaries of employees to pay association dues or fees and to pay supplemental health and life insurance premiums.

Any officer or employee of the State of West Virginia may authorize that a voluntary deduction from his or her net wages be made for the payment of membership dues or fees to an employee association. Voluntary deductions may also be authorized by an officer or employee for any supplemental health and life insurance premium, subject to prior approval by the Auditor. Such deductions shall be authorized on a form provided by the Auditor of the State of West Virginia and shall state: (a) The identity of the employee; (b) the amount and frequency of such deductions; and (c) the identity and address of the association or insurance company to which such dues shall be paid. Upon execution of such authorization and its receipt by the office of the Auditor, such deductions shall be made in the manner specified on the form and remitted to the designated association or insurance company on the tenth day of each month: Provided, That voluntary other deductions, as approved and authorized by the Auditor, may be made in accordance with rules proposed by the Auditor pursuant to article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code: Provided, however, That deductions shall be made either once or at least twice monthly. at the option of the employee Deduction authorizations may be revoked at any time thirty days prior to the date on which the deduction is regularly made and on a form to be provided by the office of the State Auditor: Provided further, That nothing in this section shall interfere with or remove any existing arrangement for dues deduction between an employer or any political subdivision of the state and its employees.


CHAPTER 15. PUBLIC SAFETY.

ARTICLE 2. WEST VIRGINIA STATE POLICE.

§15-2-5. Career progression system; salaries; exclusion from wages and hour law, with supplemental payment; bond; leave time for members called to duty in guard or reserves.


(a) The superintendent shall establish within the West Virginia State Police a system to provide for: The promotion of members to the supervisory ranks of sergeant, first sergeant, second lieutenant and first lieutenant; the classification of nonsupervisory members within the field operations force to the ranks of trooper, senior trooper, trooper first class or corporal; the classification of members assigned to the forensic laboratory as criminalist I-VIII; and the temporary reclassification of members assigned to administrative duties as administrative support specialist I-VIII.

(b) The superintendent may propose legislative rules for promulgation in accordance with article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code for the purpose of ensuring consistency, predictability and independent review of any system developed under the provisions of this section.

(c) The superintendent shall provide to each member a written manual governing any system established under the provisions of this section and specific procedures shall be identified for the evaluation and testing of members for promotion or reclassification and the subsequent placement of any members on a promotional eligibility or reclassification recommendation list.

(d) Beginning on July 1, 2011, members shall receive annual salaries payable at least twice per month as follows:

ANNUAL SALARY SCHEDULE (BASE PAY)

SUPERVISORY AND NONSUPERVISORY RANKS

Cadet During Training             $ 2,833 Mo.                                                           $ 33,994

Cadet Trooper After Training              $ 3,438 Mo.                                               $ 41,258

Trooper Second Year............................................................................................. 42,266

Trooper Third Year................................................................................................. 42,649

Senior Trooper........................................................................................................ 43,048

Trooper First Class................................................................................................. 43,654

Corporal.................................................................................................................. 44,260

Sergeant................................................................................................................. 48,561

First Sergeant......................................................................................................... 50,712

Second Lieutenant.................................................................................................. 52,862

First Lieutenant....................................................................................................... 55,013

Captain.................................................................................................................... 57,164

Major....................................................................................................................... 59,314

Lieutenant Colonel.................................................................................................. 61,465

ANNUAL SALARY SCHEDULE (BASE PAY)

ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT SPECIALIST CLASSIFICATION

I .............................................................................................................................. 42,266

II ............................................................................................................................. 43,048

III ............................................................................................................................ 43,654

IV ............................................................................................................................ 44,260

V ............................................................................................................................. 48,561

VI ............................................................................................................................ 50,712

VII ........................................................................................................................... 52,862

VIII .......................................................................................................................... 55,013

ANNUAL SALARY SCHEDULE (BASE PAY)

CRIMINALIST CLASSIFICATION

I .............................................................................................................................. 42,266

II ............................................................................................................................. 43,048

III ............................................................................................................................ 43,654

IV ............................................................................................................................ 44,260

V ............................................................................................................................. 48,561

VI ............................................................................................................................ 50,712

VII ........................................................................................................................... 52,862

VIII .......................................................................................................................... 55,013

Each member of the West Virginia State Police whose salary is fixed and specified in this annual salary schedule is entitled to the length of service increases set forth in subsection (e) of this section and supplemental pay as provided in subsection (g) of this section.

(e) Each member of the West Virginia State Police whose salary is fixed and specified pursuant to this section shall receive, and is entitled to, an increase in salary over that set forth in subsection (d) of this section for grade in rank, based on length of service, including that service served before and after the effective date of this section with the West Virginia State Police as follows: Beginning on January 1, 2015 and continuing thereafter, at the end of two years of service with the West Virginia State Police, the member shall receive a salary increase of $500 to be effective during his or her next year of service and a like increase at yearly intervals thereafter, with the increases to be cumulative.

(f) In applying the salary schedules set forth in this section where salary increases are provided for length of service, members of the West Virginia State Police in service at the time the schedules become effective shall be given credit for prior service and shall be paid the salaries the same length of service entitles them to receive under the provisions of this section.

(g) The Legislature finds and declares that because of the unique duties of members of the West Virginia State Police, it is not appropriate to apply the provisions of state wage and hour laws to them. Accordingly, members of the West Virginia State Police are excluded from the provisions of state wage and hour law. This express exclusion shall not be construed as any indication that the members were or were not covered by the wage and hour law prior to this exclusion.

In lieu of any overtime pay they might otherwise have received under the wage and hour law, and in addition to their salaries and increases for length of service, members who have completed basic training and who are exempt from federal Fair Labor Standards Act guidelines may receive supplemental pay as provided in this section.

The authority of the superintendent to propose a legislative rule or amendment thereto for promulgation in accordance with article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code to establish the number of hours per month which constitute the standard work month pay period for the members of the West Virginia State Police is hereby continued. The rule shall further establish, on a graduated hourly basis, the criteria for receipt of a portion or all of supplemental payment when hours are worked in excess of the standard work month pay period. The superintendent shall certify monthly at least twice per month to the West Virginia State Police's payroll officer the names of those members who have worked in excess of the standard work month pay period and the amount of their entitlement to supplemental payment. The supplemental payment may not exceed $400 monthly $182.62 per pay period. The superintendent and civilian employees of the West Virginia State Police are not eligible for any supplemental payments.

(h) Each member of the West Virginia State Police, except the superintendent and civilian employees, shall execute, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, a bond with security in the sum of $5,000 payable to the State of West Virginia, conditioned upon the faithful performance of his or her duties, and the bond shall be approved as to form by the Attorney General and as to sufficiency by the Governor.

(i) In consideration for compensation paid by the West Virginia State Police to its members during those members' participation in the West Virginia State Police Cadet Training Program pursuant to section eight, article twenty-nine, chapter thirty of this code, the West Virginia State Police may require of its members by written agreement entered into with each of them in advance of such participation in the program that, if a member should voluntarily discontinue employment any time within one year immediately following completion of the training program, he or she shall be obligated to pay to the West Virginia State Police a pro rata portion of such compensation equal to that part of such year which the member has chosen not to remain in the employ of the West Virginia State Police.

(j) Any member of the West Virginia State Police who is called to perform active duty training or inactive duty training in the National Guard or any reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States annually shall be granted, upon request, leave time not to exceed thirty calendar days for the purpose of performing the active duty training or inactive duty training and the time granted may not be deducted from any leave accumulated as a member of the West Virginia State Police.


CHAPTER 18. EDUCATION.


ARTICLE 3. STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.


§18-3-1. Appointment; qualifications; compensation; traveling expenses; office and residence; evaluation.

There shall be appointed by the state board a State Superintendent of Schools who serves at the will and pleasure of the state board. He or she shall be a person of good moral character, shall be able to perform the duties listed in this article and possess such other educational, administrative, experiential and other qualifications as determined by the State Board of Education. He or she shall hold at least a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or equivalent degree as determined by the state board. He or she shall receive an annual salary set by the state board, to be paid monthly at least twice per month. The state superintendent also shall receive necessary traveling expenses incident to the performance of his or her duties to be paid out of the General School Fund upon warrants of the State Auditor. The state superintendent shall have his or her office at the state Capitol. The state board shall report to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability upon request concerning its progress during any hiring process for a state superintendent.

The state board annually shall evaluate the performance of the state superintendent and publicly announce the results of the evaluation.


CHAPTER 20. NATURAL RESOURCES.

ARTICLE 1. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION.

§20-1-5. Salary, expenses, oath and bond of director.


The director shall receive an annual salary as provided in section two-a, article seven, chapter six of this code, payable in equal monthly installments at least twice per month and shall be allowed and paid necessary expenses incident to the performance of his or her official duties. Prior to the assumption of the duties of his or her office, he or she shall take and subscribe to the oath required of public officers by the Constitution of West Virginia and shall execute a bond, with surety approved by the Governor, in the penal sum of $10,000, which executed oath and bond shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State. Premiums on the bond shall be paid from division funds.


ARTICLE 7. LAW ENFORCEMENT, MOTORBOATING, LITTER.

§20-7-1. Chief natural resources police officer; natural resources police officers; special and emergency natural resources police officers; subsistence allowance; expenses.


(a) The division's law-enforcement policies, practices and programs are under the immediate supervision and direction of the division law-enforcement officer selected by the director and designated as chief natural resources police officer as provided in section thirteen, article one of this chapter.

(b) Under the supervision of the director, the chief natural resources police officer shall organize, develop and maintain law-enforcement practices, means and methods geared, timed and adjustable to seasonal, emergency and other needs and requirements of the division's comprehensive natural resources program. All division personnel detailed and assigned to law-enforcement duties and services under this section shall be known and designated as natural resources police officers and are under the immediate supervision and direction of the chief natural resources police officer except as otherwise provided. All natural resources police officers shall be trained, equipped and conditioned for duty and services wherever and whenever required by division law-enforcement needs. The chief natural resources police officer may also assign natural resources police officers to perform law-enforcement duties on any trail, grounds, appurtenant facility or other areas accessible to the public within the Hatfield-McCoy Recreation Area, under agreement that the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority, created pursuant to article fourteen of this chapter, shall reimburse the division for salaries paid to the officers and shall either pay directly or reimburse the division for all other expenses of the officers in accordance with actual or estimated costs determined by the chief natural resources police officer.

(c) The chief natural resources police officer, acting under supervision of the director, is authorized to select and appoint emergency natural resources police officers for a limited period for effective enforcement of the provisions of this chapter when considered necessary because of emergency or other unusual circumstances. The emergency natural resources police officers shall be selected from qualified civil service personnel of the division, except in emergency situations and circumstances when the director may designate officers, without regard to civil service requirements and qualifications, to meet law-enforcement needs. Emergency natural resources police officers shall exercise all powers and duties prescribed in section four of this article for full-time salaried natural resources police officers except the provisions of subdivision (8), subsection (b) of said section.

(d) The chief natural resources police officer, acting under supervision of the director, is also authorized to select and appoint as special natural resources police officers any full-time civil service employee who is assigned to, and has direct responsibility for management of, an area owned, leased or under the control of the division and who has satisfactorily completed a course of training established and administered by the chief natural resources police officer, when the action is considered necessary because of law-enforcement needs. The powers and duties of a special natural resources police officer, appointed under this provision, is the same within his or her assigned area as prescribed for full-time salaried natural resources police officers. The jurisdiction of the person appointed as a special natural resources police officer, under this provision, shall be limited to the division area or areas to which he or she is assigned and directly manages.

(e) The Director of the Division of Forestry is authorized to appoint and revoke Division of Forestry special natural resources police officers who are full-time civil service personnel who have satisfactorily completed a course of training as required by the Director of the Division of Forestry. The jurisdiction, powers and duties of Division of Forestry special natural resources police officers are set forth by the Director of the Division of Forestry pursuant to article three of this chapter and articles one-a and one-b, chapter nineteen of this code.

(f) The chief natural resources police officer, with the approval of the director, has the power and authority to revoke any appointment of an emergency natural resources police officer or of a special natural resources police officer at any time.

(g) Natural resources police officers are subject to seasonal or other assignment and detail to duty whenever and wherever required by the functions, services and needs of the division.

(h) The chief natural resources police officer shall designate the area of primary residence of each natural resources police officer, including himself or herself. Since the area of business activity of the division is actually anywhere within the territorial confines of the State of West Virginia, actual expenses incurred shall be paid whenever the duties are performed outside the area of primary assignment and still within the state.

(i) Natural resources police officers shall receive, in addition to their base pay salary, a minimum monthly biweekly subsistence allowance for their required telephone service, dry cleaning or required uniforms, and meal expenses while performing their regular duties in their area of primary assignment in the amount of $130 each month $60 per biweekly pay. This subsistence allowance does not apply to special or emergency natural resources police officers appointed under this section.

(j) After June 30, 2010, all those full-time law-enforcement officers employed by the Division of Natural Resources as conservation officers shall be titled and known as natural resources police officers. Wherever used in this code the term "conservation officer", or its plural, means "natural resources police officer", or its plural, respectively.

(k) Notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, the provisions of subdivision (6), subsection c, section twelve, article twenty-one, chapter eleven of this code are inapplicable to pensions of natural resources police officers paid through the Public Employees Retirement System.


CHAPTER 22C. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES; BOARDS, AUTHORITIES, COMMISSIONS AND COMPACTS.


ARTICLE 1. WATER DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.

§22C-1-4. Water Development Authority; Water Development Board; organization of authority and board; appointment of board members; their term of office, compensation and expenses; Director of Authority; compensation.


(a) The Water Development Authority is continued. The authority is a governmental instrumentality of the state and a body corporate. The exercise by the authority of the powers conferred by this article and the carrying out of its purposes and duties are essential governmental functions and for a public purpose.

(b) The authority is controlled, managed and operated by a seven-member board known as the Water Development Board. The Governor or designee, the secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection or designee and the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health or designee are members ex officio of the board. Four members are appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for six-year terms, which are staggered in accordance with the initial appointments under prior enactment of this section. In the event of a vacancy, appointments are filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term. A member continues to serve until the appointment and qualification of the successor. More than two appointed board members may not at any one time belong to the same political party. Appointed board members may be reappointed to serve additional terms.

(c) All members of the board shall be citizens of the state. Each appointed member of the board, before entering upon his or her duties, shall comply with the requirements of article one, chapter six of this code and give bond in the sum of $25,000 in the manner provided in article two of said chapter. The Governor may remove any board member for cause as provided in article six of said chapter.

(d) The Governor or designee serves as chair. The board annually elects one of its appointed members as vice chair and appoints a secretary-treasurer, who need not be a member of the board. Four members of the board is a quorum and the affirmative vote of four members is necessary for any action taken by vote of the board. A vacancy in the membership of the board does not impair the rights of a quorum by such vote to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the board and the authority. The person appointed as secretary-treasurer, including a board member if so appointed, shall give bond in the sum of $50,000 in the manner provided in article two, chapter six of this code.

(e) The Governor or designee, the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection and the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health do not receive compensation for serving as board members. Each appointed member receives an annual salary of $12,000, payable in monthly installments at least twice per month. Each of the seven board members is reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred in the performance of duties as a member of the board in a manner consistent with guidelines of the travel management office of the Department of Administration. All expenses incurred by the board are payable solely from funds of the authority or from funds appropriated for that purpose by the Legislature. Liability or obligation is not incurred by the authority beyond the extent to which moneys are available from funds of the authority or from such appropriations.

(f) There is a director of the authority appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, who serves at the Governor's will and pleasure. The director is responsible for managing and administering the daily functions of the authority and for performing other functions necessary to the effective operation of the authority. The compensation of the director is fixed annually by the board.


CHAPTER 24. PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.

ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

§24-1-3. Commission continued; membership; chairman; compensation; quorum.


(a) The Public Service Commission of West Virginia is continued and directed as provided by this chapter, chapter twenty-four-a, chapter twenty-four-b and chapter twenty-four-d of this code. The Public Service Commission may sue and be sued by that name.

(b) The Public Service Commission shall consist of three members who shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The commissioners shall be citizens and residents of this state and at least one of them shall be duly licensed to practice law in West Virginia, with not less than ten years' actual work experience in the legal profession as a member of a State Bar.

(c) No more than two of the commissioners shall be members of the same political party.

(d) Each commissioner shall, before entering upon the duties of his or her office, take and subscribe to the oath provided by section five, article IV of the Constitution of this state. The oath shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State.

(e) The Governor shall designate one of the commissioners to serve as chairman at the Governor's will and pleasure. The chairman shall be the chief administrative officer of the commission. The Governor may remove any commissioner only for incompetency, neglect of duty, gross immorality, malfeasance in office or violation of subsections (g) and (h) of this section.

(f) Upon expiration of the terms, appointments are for terms of six years, except that an appointment to fill a vacancy is for the unexpired term only.

(g) No person while in the employ of, or holding any official relation to, any public utility subject to the provisions of this chapter or holding any stocks or bonds of a public utility subject to the provisions of this chapter or who is pecuniarily interested in a public utility subject to the provisions of this chapter may serve as a member of the commission or as an employee of the commission.

(h) Nor may any commissioner be a candidate for or hold public office or be a member of any political committee while acting as a commissioner; nor may any commissioner or employee of the commission receive any pass, free transportation or other thing of value, either directly or indirectly, from any public utility or motor carrier subject to the provisions of this chapter. In case any of the commissioners becomes a candidate for any public office or a member of any political committee, the Governor shall remove him or her from office and shall appoint a new commissioner to fill the vacancy created.

(i) The annual salary of each commissioner provided in section two-a, article seven, chapter six of this code shall be paid in monthly installments at least twice per month. from the special funds in the percentages that follow:

(1) From the Public Service Commission Fund collected under the provisions of section six, article three of this chapter, eighty percent;

(2) From the Public Service Commission Motor Carrier Fund collected under the provisions of section six, article six, chapter twenty-four-a of this code, seventeen percent; and

(3) From the Public Service Commission Gas Pipeline Safety Fund collected under the provisions of section three, article five, chapter twenty-four-b of this code, three percent.

(j) In addition to the salary provided for all commissioners in section two-a, article seven, chapter six of this code, the chairman of the commission shall receive $5,000 per annum to be paid in monthly installments at least twice per month from the Public Service Commission Fund collected under the provisions of section six, article three of this chapter.


CHAPTER 24A. COMMERCIAL MOTOR CARRIERS.

ARTICLE 6. DUTIES AND PRIVILEGES OF MOTOR CARRIERS SUBJECT TO REGULATION OF THE COMMISSION.

§24A-6-6. Special annual assessment against motor carriers for expenses of administering chapter; "Public Service Commission motor carrier fund."


In addition to the license fees, registration fees, or any other taxes required by law to be collected from motor carriers subject to this chapter, each such motor carrier shall be subject to, and shall pay to the Public Service Commission, a special annual assessment for the purpose of paying the salaries, compensation, costs and expenses of administering and enforcing this chapter. All proceeds or funds derived from such assessment shall be paid into the State Treasury and credited to a special fund designated Public Service Commission motor carrier fund, to be appropriated as provided by law for the purposes herein stated. Each member of the commission shall receive a salary in the amount set forth in section three, article one, chapter twenty-four of this code as compensation for the administration of this chapter in addition to all other salary or compensation otherwise provided by law, to be paid in monthly installments from said fund at least twice per month. The special assessment against each motor carrier shall be apportioned upon the number and capacity of motor vehicles used by said carrier, computed as hereinafter provided.

(a) For each uniform identification card ............................................. $ 3.00

(b) Upon each power unit of such carriers of property, in accordance with its capacity as rated by its manufacturer, in addition to amount of subdivision (a):

of one ton or less capacity................................................................... $ 9.00

of over one to one and one-half tons capacity .................................... 13.50

of over one and one-half tons to two tons capacity ............................ 18.00

of over two tons to three tons capacity ............................................... 22.50

of over three tons to four tons capacity................................................ 27.00

of over four tons to five tons capacity .................................................. 31.50

of over five tons to six tons capacity ................................................... 36.00

of over six tons to seven tons capacity .............................................. .40.50

of over seven tons to eight tons capacity ............................................ 45.00

of over eight tons to nine tons capacity ............................................... 49.50

of over nine tons to ten tons capacity .................................................. 54.00

of over ten tons capacity, $54.00 plus $4.50 for each additional ton of capacity in

excess of ten tons.

(c) Upon each trailer and semitrailer of such carriers of property, in accordance with its capacity as rated by its manufacturer, in an amount of two thirds of the amount provided for vehicles of its capacity in subdivision (b) of this section.

(d) Upon each power unit of such carriers of passengers, in accordance with the seating capacity thereof, in addition to amount in subdivision (a):

of ten passengers or less .................................................................. $13.50

of eleven to twenty passengers, inclusive ........................................... 22.50

of twenty-one to thirty passengers, inclusive ...................................... 31.50

of thirty-one to forty passengers, inclusive .......................................... 45.00

of over forty passengers ...................................................................... 54.00

(e) The annual assessment of each motor carrier shall be paid on or before July 1, of each year. Additional assessments shall be collected upon the placing in use of any additional motor vehicle: Provided, That such additional assessments shall be subject to a reduction in the amounts shown in subdivisions (b), (c) and (d) corresponding to the unexpired quarterly periods of the fiscal year, but shall not in any event be less than one fourth of such amount plus the sum of $3 provided in subdivision (a).

(f) Upon payment by any motor carrier of the assessment provided for, the Public Service Commission shall advise the department of motor vehicles by notice in writing that such assessment has been paid, whereupon the department of motor vehicles may issue motor vehicle license for the vehicles described in said notice.

(g) Prior to the beginning of any fiscal year the Public Service Commission, after taking into consideration any unexpended balance in the motor carrier fund, the probable receipts to be received in the ensuing fiscal year, and the probable costs of administering and enforcing this chapter for the ensuing fiscal year, may fix the assessments provided for in this section for the ensuing fiscal year in amounts which, in the commission's judgment, will produce sufficient revenue to administer and enforce this chapter for said fiscal year: Provided, That in no event shall such assessments exceed the amounts set up in this section.


CHAPTER 24B. GAS PIPELINE SAFETY.

ARTICLE 5. EMPLOYEES OF COMMISSION; FUNDING.

§24B-5-2. Compensation to commissioners.


Each member of the commission shall receive a salary in the amount set forth in section three, article one, chapter twenty- four of this code as compensation for the administration of this chapter in addition to all other salary or compensation otherwise provided for by law, to be paid in monthly installments at least twice per month from the Public Service Commission Pipeline Safety Fund.

CHAPTER 25. DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS.

ARTICLE 1. ORGANIZATION, INSTITUTIONS AND CORRECTIONS MANAGEMENT.

§25-1-19. Reports by state commissioner of public institutions Commissioner of Corrections and chief officers of institutions to Auditor.


The state commissioner of public institutions Commissioner of Corrections shall, from time to time, as may be necessary, make a report to the Auditor, which shall state the name of each person employed at any of the institutions named in section three of this article, his or her official designation and biweekly rate of compensation, per month (or by the day or week, if employed for less than a month) and out of what funds or appropriation the same is payable. The chief officer of any such institution, or other person who may have been appointed for the purpose by the state commissioner of public institutions Commissioner of Corrections, shall make out and certify to the Auditor at the end of each month a list of persons to whom any payments may be due, stating for what purpose due, the amount due each person, and the fund or appropriation from which payable; one copy whereof shall be filed in the office of the institution where made, and one in the office of the state commissioner of public institutions Commissioner of Corrections. If the Auditor finds such list correct and in accordance with the reports made to him or her by the state commissioner of public institutions Commissioner of Corrections, he or she may pay to the persons entitled thereto the amounts so certified as due each.

CHAPTER 31. CORPORATIONS.

ARTICLE 19. WEST VIRGINIA COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE AUTHORITY.

§31-19-4. West Virginia Community Infrastructure Authority created; West Virginia Community Infrastructure Board created; organization of authority and board; appointment of board members; their term of office, compensation and expenses; duties and responsibilities of director and staff of authority.


(a) There is hereby created the West Virginia Community Infrastructure Authority. The authority is a governmental instrumentality of the state and a body corporate. The exercise by the authority of the powers conferred by this article and the carrying out of its purposes and duties are essential governmental functions and for a public purpose.

The authority shall be controlled, managed and operated by the five member board known as the West Virginia Community Infrastructure Board, which is hereby created. The Director of the West Virginia Development Office, or her or his designee, the Director of the Division of Environmental Protection, or her or his designee, and the Commissioner of the Division of Highways, or her or his designee, are members ex officio of the board. The Executive Director of the West Virginia Development Office, or her or his designee, is the ex officio chair. Two members of the board shall be representative of the general public, one of which shall have had experience or a demonstrated interest in local government. The two members who are not ex officio members of the board shall be appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for initial terms of three and six years, respectively. The successor of each such appointed member shall be appointed for a term of six years in the same manner as the original appointments were made, except that any person appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which her or his predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of such term. Each board member shall serve until the appointment and qualification of her or his successor. The two appointed board members shall not at any one time belong to the same political party. Appointed board members may be reappointed to serve additional terms, not to exceed two consecutive full terms. All members of the board shall be citizens of the state. Each appointed member of the board, before entering upon her or his duties, shall comply with the requirements of article one, chapter six of this code and give bond in the sum of $20,000 in the manner provided in article two, chapter six of this code. The Governor may remove any board member for cause as provided in article six, chapter six of this code.

Annually the board shall elect one of its appointed members as chair, and shall appoint a secretary-treasurer, who need not be a member of the board. Three members of the board is a quorum and the affirmative vote of three members is necessary for any action taken by vote of the board. No vacancy in the membership of the board impairs the rights of a quorum by such vote to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the board and the authority. The person appointed as secretary-treasurer, including a board member if she or he is so appointed, shall give bond in the sum of $50,000 in the manner provided in article two, chapter six of this code.

The Executive Director of the West Virginia Development Office or her or his designee, the Director of the Division of Environmental Protection or her or his designee, and the Commissioner of the Division of Highways or her or his designee, shall not receive any compensation for serving as board members. Each of the two appointed board members of the board shall receive an annual salary of $5,000, payable in monthly installments at least twice per month. Each of the five board members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred in the performance of her or his duties as a member of such board. All such expenses incurred by the board are payable solely from funds of the authority or from funds appropriated for such purpose by the Legislature and no liability or obligation shall be incurred by the authority beyond the extent for which moneys are available from funds of the authority or from such appropriations.

(b) There shall be a director of the authority appointed by the board who shall supervise and manage the community infrastructure authority, and the West Virginia Development Office shall serve as the staff for the authority. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the duties and responsibilities of the director and of the staff shall be established by the authority. At the board's discretion, it may provide for the position of general counsel, who shall be an employee of the authority, or for the appointment of special counsel. As the board deems necessary and desirable, it may at any time elect to change its decision on the employment or appointment of a counsel.

(c) The director, or her or his designee, may employ or appoint any staff members in addition to those provided by the West Virginia Development Office, including general or special counsel if the position is established by the board. The number of employees needed, the positions to be filled and their salaries or wages shall be determined by the director with the approval of the board, unless the board elects to not require its approval. At any time the board may elect to change its decision concerning approval of additional staff hiring and salaries.

(d) The board shall meet at least quarterly, and more often as it deems necessary. The director and any other staff member or members as the director deems expedient shall attend board meetings.


chapter 33.  insurance.

ARTICLE 2. INSURANCE COMMISSIONER.

§33-2-2. Compensation and expenses of commissioner and employees; location of office.


The commissioner shall receive an annual salary as provided in section two-a, article seven, chapter six of this code and actual expenses incurred in the performance of official business, which compensation shall be in full for all services. The office of the commissioner shall be maintained in the capitol or other suitable place in Charleston. The commissioner may employ such persons and incur such expenses as may be necessary in the discharge of his or her duties and shall fix the compensation of such employees, but such compensation shall not exceed the appropriation therefor. The commissioner may reimburse employees for reasonable expenses incurred for job-related training and educational seminars and courses. All compensation for salaries and expenses of the commissioner and his or her employees shall be paid monthly at least twice per month out of the State Treasury by requisition upon the Auditor, properly certified by the commissioner.

CHAPTER 50. MAGISTRATE COURTS.

ARTICLE 1. COURTS AND OFFICERS.

§50-1-8. Magistrate court clerks; salaries; duties; duties of circuit clerk.


(a) In each county having three or more magistrates the judge of the circuit court or the chief judge of the circuit court, if there is more than one judge of the circuit court, shall appoint a magistrate court clerk. In all other counties the judge may appoint a magistrate court clerk or may by rule require the duties of the magistrate court clerk to be performed by the clerk of the circuit court, in which event the circuit court clerk is entitled to additional compensation in the amount of $2,500 per year. The magistrate court clerk serves at the will and pleasure of the circuit judge.

(b) Magistrate court clerks shall be paid a monthly salary at least twice per month by the state. Magistrate court clerks serving magistrates who serve less than seven thousand three hundred in population shall be paid up to $39,552 per year and magistrate court clerks serving magistrates who serve seven thousand three hundred or more in population shall be paid up to $44,712 per year: Provided, That after the effective date of this section, any general salary increase granted to all state employees, whose salaries are not set by statute, expressed as a percentage increase or an across-the-board increase, may also be granted to magistrate court clerks. For the purpose of determining the population served by each magistrate, the number of magistrates authorized for each county shall be divided into the population of each county. The salary of the magistrate court clerk shall be established by the judge of the circuit court, or the chief judge of the circuit court if there is more than one judge of the circuit court, within the limits set forth in this section.

(c) In addition to other duties that may be imposed by the provisions of this chapter or by the rules of the Supreme Court of Appeals or the judge of the circuit court or the chief judge of the circuit court if there is more than one judge of the circuit court, it is the duty of the magistrate court clerk to establish and maintain appropriate dockets and records in a centralized system for the magistrate court, to assist in the preparation of the reports required of the court and to carry out on behalf of the magistrates or chief magistrate if a chief magistrate is appointed, the administrative duties of the court.

(d) The magistrate court clerk, or if there is no magistrate court clerk in the county, the clerk of the circuit court, may issue all manner of civil process and require the enforcement of subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum in magistrate court.

(e) Notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, the amendments made to this section during the 2013 First Extraordinary Session are effective upon passage and are retroactive to January 1, 2013.

(f) Beginning January 1, 2017, the annual salary of all magistrate court clerks is $44,720. After the effective date of this section, a general salary increase granted to state employees, whose salaries are not set by statute, expressed as a percentage increase or an across-the-board increase, may also be granted to magistrate court clerks.


§50-1-9. Magistrate assistants; salary; duties.


(a) In each county there shall be one magistrate assistant for each magistrate. Each magistrate assistant shall be appointed by the magistrate under whose authority and supervision and at whose will and pleasure he or she shall serve. The assistant shall not be a member of the immediate family of any magistrate and shall not have been convicted of a felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude and shall reside in the State of West Virginia. For the purpose of this section, "immediate family" means the relationships of mother, father, sister, brother, child or spouse.

(b) A magistrate assistant shall have the duties, clerical or otherwise, assigned by the magistrate and prescribed by the rules of the Supreme Court of Appeals or the judge of the circuit court or the chief judge of the circuit court if there is more than one judge of the circuit court. In addition to these duties, magistrate assistants shall perform and are accountable to the magistrate court clerks with respect to the following duties:

(1) The preparation of summons in civil actions;

(2) The assignment of civil actions to the various magistrates;

(3) The collection of all costs, fees, fines, forfeitures and penalties which are payable to the court;

(4) The submission of moneys, along with an accounting of the moneys, to appropriate authorities as provided by law;

(5) The daily disposition of closed files which are to be located in the magistrate clerk's office;

(6) All duties related to the gathering of information and documents necessary for the preparation of administrative reports and documents required by the rules of the Supreme Court of Appeals or the judge of the circuit court or the chief judge of the circuit court if there is more than one judge of the circuit court;

(7) All duties relating to the notification, certification and payment of jurors serving pursuant to the terms of this chapter; and

(8) All other duties or responsibilities whereby the magistrate assistant is accountable to the magistrate court clerk as determined by the magistrate.

(c) Magistrate assistants shall be paid a monthly salary at least twice per month by the state. Magistrate assistants serving magistrates who serve less than seven thousand three hundred in population shall be paid up to $36,048 per year and magistrate assistants serving magistrates who serve seven thousand three hundred or more in population shall be paid up to $39,348 per year: Provided, That after the effective date of this section, any general salary increase granted to all state employees, whose salaries are not set by statute, expressed as a percentage increase or an across-the-board increase, may also be granted to magistrate assistants. For the purpose of determining the population served by each magistrate, the number of magistrates authorized for each county shall be divided into the population of each county. The salary of the magistrate assistant shall be established by the magistrate within the limits set forth in this section.

(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, the amendments made to this section during the 2013 First Extraordinary Session are effective upon passage and are retroactive to January 1, 2013.

(e) Beginning January 1, 2017, the annual salary of all magistrate assistants is $39,348. After the effective date of this section, a general salary increase granted to state employees, whose salaries are not set by statute, expressed as a percentage increase or an across-the-board increase, may also be granted to magistrate assistants.


CHAPTER 51. COURTS AND THEIR OFFICERS.

ARTICLE 7. OFFICIAL REPORTERS.

§51-7-3. Compensation for attending court and taking notes.


The official reporter shall receive, for his or her services and expenses in attending the court or judge and in taking the notes provided for in section two of this article, such salary or other compensation as the court or judge, in accordance with the rules of the Supreme Court of Appeals, may allow. If such salary be allowed, it shall be paid monthly at least twice per month, out of the State Treasury. If no such salary be allowed, such other compensation and expenses as may be allowed in civil cases shall be certified by the court or judge to the Auditor of the state and the same shall be paid out of the State Treasury. Such other compensation and expenses in felony and, misdemeanor cases shall be certified to the Auditor of the state and paid out of the State Treasury. The salary or other compensation provided for in this section shall not be deemed to include the making of typewritten transcripts as provided for in section four of this article.


§51-7-5. Salary in lieu of all other compensation.


If neither of the methods of compensation provided for in section three of this article be adopted, a salary may be allowed in lieu of all other compensation, which shall be paid monthly at least twice per month, out of the State Treasury, in such proportions as the court or judge may fix in accordance with the rules of the Supreme Court of Appeals. All fees for services rendered by the official reporter in the discharge of his or her duties as such, when he or she is allowed a salary under the provisions of this section, may be collected, and shall, when collected by the sheriff or official reporter, be paid into the treasury of the state; and it shall be the duty of such reporter to make out, sign and deliver to the sheriff a fee bill in every case, civil or criminal, giving the style thereof and the amount due, and from whom, which amount may be collected or levied for by the sheriff, and such fee bill shall have the force and effect of an execution when levied. An official reporter compensated under the provisions of this section shall collect the fees mentioned in section four of this article for any transcript of his or her shorthand notes of the testimony or proceedings furnished by him or her to any party, and shall pay the same over to the sheriff of the county in which the services were performed, to be by him or her accounted for and paid into the State Treasury.


ARTICLE 8. STATE AND COUNTY LAW LIBRARIES; LAW CLERKS.


§51-8-2. Librarian; bond; assistants; compensation.

The Supreme Court of Appeals, or the judges thereof in vacation, shall appoint a competent librarian to have immediate custody of the West Virginia law library under the direction of the court. Such librarian shall give bond in a penalty fixed by the court of not less than two nor more than $5,000, with surety thereon, to be approved by the court, and conditioned as provided for official bonds. Such bond shall be deposited for safekeeping with the clerk of the court. The librarian shall be an officer of the court and shall hold his or her office and be removable at its pleasure. Vacancies in the office of librarian occurring during vacation of the court may be filled by appointment in writing made by the judges of the court, or any three of them. When, in the opinion of the court, other employees are needed for the proper protection and use of the library, it may employ such assistants as may be necessary for that purpose. The salary of the librarian and assistants shall be fixed by the court and shall be payable in monthly installments paid at least twice per month.

CHAPTER 62. CRIMINAL PROCEDURE.

ARTICLE 12. PROBATION AND PAROLE.

§62-12-5. Probation officers and assistants.


(a) Each circuit court, subject to the approval of the Supreme Court of Appeals and in accordance with its rules, is authorized to appoint one or more probation officers and clerical assistants.

(b) The appointment of probation officers and clerical assistants shall be in writing and entered on the order book of the court by the judge making such appointment and a copy of said order of appointment shall be delivered to the Administrative Director of the Supreme Court of Appeals. The order of appointment shall state the monthly annual salary, fixed by the judge and approved by the Supreme Court of Appeals, to be paid to the probation officer or clerical assistants so appointed.

(c) The salary of probation officers and clerical assistants shall be paid monthly or semimonthly at least twice per month, as the Supreme Court of Appeals by rule may direct and they shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred in the line of duty in the field. The salary and expenses shall be paid by the state from the judicial accounts thereof. The county commission shall provide adequate office space for the probation officer and his or her assistants to be approved by the appointing court. The equipment and supplies as may be needed by the probation officer and his or her assistants shall be provided by the state and the cost thereof shall be charged against the judicial accounts of the state.

(d) No judge may appoint any probation officer, assistant probation officer or clerical assistant who is related to him or her either by consanguinity or affinity.

(e) Subject to the approval of the Supreme Court of Appeals and in accordance with its rules, a judge of a circuit court whose circuit comprises more than one county may appoint a probation officer and a clerical assistant in each county of the circuit or may appoint the same persons to serve in these respective positions in two or more counties in the circuit.

(f) Nothing contained in this section alters, modifies, affects or supersedes the appointment or tenure of any probation officer, medical assistant or psychiatric assistant appointed by any court under any special act of the Legislature heretofore enacted, and the salary or compensation of those persons shall remain as specified in the most recent amendment of any special act until changed by the court, with approval of the Supreme Court of Appeals, by order entered of record, and any such salary or compensation shall be paid out of the State Treasury.

(g) In order to carry out the supervision responsibilities set forth in section twenty-six, article twelve, chapter sixty-two of this code, the Administrative Director of the Supreme Court of Appeals, or his or her designee, in accordance with the court's procedures, is authorized to hire multijudicial-circuit probation officers, to be employed through the court's Division of Probation Services. Such officers may also supervise probationers who are on probation for sexual offences with the approval of the administrative director of the Supreme Court of Appeals or his or her designee.


 

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to make statutory changes related to converting to a biweekly pay cycle from a monthly or semimonthly cycle for state employees.

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

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