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Introduced Version Senate Bill 523 History

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


Senate Bill No. 523

(By Senators Tomblin, Mr. President, and Sprouse,

By Request of the Executive)

____________

[Introduced March 19, 2001; referred to the Committee on Finance.]

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A BILL to amend and reenact sections two, three, four, five, six, seven and eight, article two-a, chapter four of the code of West Virginia, one thousand nine hundred thirty-one, as amended; to amend and reenact section three, article sixteen, chapter five of said code; to amend and reenact section three, article one, chapter five-f of said code; to amend and reenact sections two and two-a, article seven, chapter six of said code; to amend and reenact section six, article four, chapter seven of said code; to amend and reenact section thirteen, article one, chapter ten of said code; to amend and reenact section one, article one, chapter eleven of said code; to amend and reenact section five, article twenty-nine-b, chapter sixteen of said code; to amend and reenact section four, article twenty-three, chapter nineteen of said code; to amend and reenact section five, article two, chapter twenty-one-a of said code; to amend and reenact section six, article one, chapter twenty-two of said code; to amend and reenact section three, article one, chapter twenty-two-a of said code; and to amend and reenact section three, article one, chapter twenty-four of said code, all relating to salary adjustments for certain public officials.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That sections two, three, four, five, six, seven and eight, article two-a, chapter four of the code of West Virginia, one thousand nine hundred thirty-one, as amended, be amended and reenacted; that section three, article sixteen, chapter five of said code be amended and reenacted; that section three, article one, chapter five-f of said code be amended and reenacted; that sections two and two-a, article seven, chapter six of said code be amended and reenacted; that section six, article four, chapter seven of said code be amended and reenacted; that section thirteen, article one, chapter ten of said code be amended and reenacted; that section one, article one, chapter eleven of said code be amended and reenacted; that section five, article twenty-nine-b, chapter sixteen of said code be amended and reenacted; that section four, article twenty-three, chapter nineteen of said code be amended and reenacted; that section five, article two, chapter twenty-one-a of said code be amended and reenacted; that section six, article one, chapter twenty-two of said code be amended and reenacted; that section three, article one, chapter twenty-two-a of said code be amended and reenacted; and that section three, article one, chapter twenty-four 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.

PART II. COMPENSATION.

§4-2A-2. Basic compensation for services; proration.
(a) Each member of the Legislature shall receive as basic compensation for his or her services the sum of six thousand five hundred dollars per calendar year. Beginning in the calendar year one thousand nine hundred ninety-five, and for each calendar year thereafter, each member of the Legislature shall receive as basic compensation for his or her services the sum of fifteen thousand dollars. Beginning in the calendar year two thousand three, and for each calendar year thereafter, each member of the Legislature shall receive as basic compensation for his or her services the sum of eighteen thousand dollars. In addition to such basic compensation, members shall receive the additional compensations as are expressly provided for in sections three, four and five of this article. Except for the increased basic compensation as set forth in this subsection, and all other increased amounts or new amounts in respect to the compensation or expenses of members of the Legislature, set forth in the resolution of the citizens legislative compensation commission, dated the third eighth day of March January, one thousand nine hundred ninety-four ninety-nine, and implemented in sections two through eight of this article providing for new amounts or amounts increased to new amounts greater than those in force and effect on the first day of January, one thousand nine hundred ninety-four two thousand, shall all become effective only for calendar year one thousand nine hundred ninety-five two thousand one, and each calendar year thereafter as prescribed in this section.
(b) The basic compensation shall be payable twice a month during each regular session of the Legislature, without regard to any extension of such regular session. In the event of the death, resignation or removal of a member of the Legislature during a regular session of the Legislature and the appointment and qualification of his or her successor during any such regular session, the basic compensation provided for in this section 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) as a member of the Legislature by each during such regular session of sixty calendar days.
(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 subsequent to the regular session of the Legislature held in the calendar year in which such successor was appointed and qualified, none of the basic compensation provided for in this section shall be paid to such successor.
§4-2A-3. Compensation for members of the Legislature during any extension of regular session or during extraordinary session.

Each member of the Legislature shall receive, in addition to the basic compensation provided for in section two of this article, additional compensation of one hundred fifty dollars per day for each day of attendance in person upon any business of the Senate or House of Delegates, as the case may be, on each day upon which said Senate or House of Delegates is actually called to order during each extension of regular session or during extraordinary session of the Legislature. Such additional compensation shall be paid from time to time during any such extended session or extraordinary session, as may be prescribed by rules established by the legislative auditor.
§4-2A-4. Additional compensation for president of Senate, speaker of House of Delegates, majority leaders, minority leaders, certain committee chairs and selected members of both houses.

(a) In addition to the basic and additional compensation provided for in sections two and three of this article, the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Delegates shall each receive additional compensation of:
(1) Fifty dollars per day for each day actually served during any regular, extension of regular or extraordinary session as presiding officer, including Saturdays and Sundays; and
(2) One hundred fifty dollars per day up to a maximum of eighty such days per calendar year for attending to legislative business in their offices in the capitol building when the Legislature is not in regular, extension of regular or extraordinary session and interim committees are not meeting.
(b) In addition to the basic and additional compensation provided for in sections two and three of this article, the majority leaders and minority leaders of the Senate and of the House of Delegates shall each receive additional compensation of twenty-five dollars per day for each day actually served during any regular, extension of regular or during extraordinary session, including Saturdays and Sundays, as the selected legislative leaders of their respective political parties.
(c) Such presiding officer and majority and minority leader compensation shall be paid from time to time during any such session or interim period, as the case may be, as may be prescribed by rules established by the legislative auditor.
(d) In addition to the basic and additional compensation provided for in sections two and three of this article, the chairpersons of the committees on finance and committees on the judiciary of the respective houses and up to four additional persons from each house, to be named by the presiding officer, shall each receive an additional compensation of one hundred fifty dollars per day up to a maximum of thirty days for attending to legislative business in their offices in the capitol building when the Legislature is not in regular, extended or extraordinary session and interim committees are not meeting.
§4-2A-5. Interim compensation for members.
(a) In addition to the basic and any additional compensation provided for in sections two, three and four of this article, each member shall receive interim compensation of one hundred fifty dollars per day for each day actually engaged in the performance of interim duties as a member of any interim committee between regular sessions of the Legislature: Provided, That the total additional interim compensation payable to any member and his replacement, if any, on a committee or commission under the provisions of this section subsection shall not exceed the sum of three four thousand five hundred dollars per calendar year.
(b) In addition to the basic and any additional compensation provided for in sections two, three and four of this article and subsection (a) of this section, each member shall receive interim compensation of one hundred fifty dollars per day for each day actually engaged in the performance of legislative duties at a meeting of any statutorily created legislative committee which meets between regular sessions of the Legislature and outside of regular interim meetings when authorized by the committee cochairs and approved by the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Delegates, not to exceed fifteen days per calendar year.
PART III. EXPENSES.

§4-2A-6. Travel expenses.
Each member of the Legislature shall be entitled to be reimbursed, upon submission of an expense voucher, for expenses incurred incident to travel in the performance of his or her duties as a member of the Legislature or any committee of the Legislature, whether such committee is operating under general law or resolution, including, but not limited to, attendance at party caucuses held in advance of the date of the assembly of the Legislature in regular session in odd-numbered years for the purpose of selecting candidates for officers of the two houses, at a rate equal to that paid by the travel management office of the department of administration for the most direct usually traveled route, if travel is by private automobile, or for actual transportation costs for direct route travel, if travel is by public carrier, or for any combination of such means of transportation actually used, plus the cost of necessary taxi or limousine service, tolls and parking fees in connection therewith, but during any regular, extension of regular or extraordinary session, travel expenses shall not be paid to any member for more than one round trip to and from the seat of government and to and from his or her place of residence for each week of any such session.
In addition to the above travel expense, the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Delegates shall be entitled to be reimbursed as provided above, upon submission of an expense voucher, for expenses incurred incident to travel for up to a maximum of eighty days per calendar year in connection with their visits to the capitol building for business which is related to their duties as presiding officers of the respective houses of the Legislature, but which takes place when the Legislature is not in regular, extension of regular or extraordinary session and interim committees are not meeting.
The rate paid for mileage pursuant to this section may change from time to time in accordance with changes in the reimbursement rates established by the travel management office of the department of administration, or its successor agency.
§4-2A-7. Reimbursement for expenses incurred during any session or interim assignment.

(a) Each member of the Legislature who does not commute daily shall receive the sum of eighty-five one hundred fifteen dollars per day as per diem allowance in connection with any regular, extended, extraordinary session, interim assignment or for any member so authorized by the presiding officer. Any member of the Legislature who does commute daily shall receive the sum of forty-five fifty-five dollars per day as said per diem allowance and, in addition to such allowance, shall be reimbursed for overnight commuting expenses at the mileage rate equal to the amount paid by the travel management office of the department of administration for the most direct usually traveled route, if travel is by private automobile, or for actual transportation costs for direct route travel, if travel is by public carrier, or for any combination of such means of transportation actually used, plus the costs of necessary taxi or limousine service, tolls and parking fees in connection therewith: Provided, That the total of this per diem allowance plus travel expense for a daily commuting member shall not exceed eighty-five one hundred fifteen dollars per day. The amount for mileage paid pursuant to this paragraph may change from time to time in accordance with changes in the level of reimbursement by the said travel management office.
(b) The president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Delegates, the chairman of the house committee on finance, the chairman of the senate committee on finance, the chairman of the house committee on the judiciary, the chairman of the senate committee on the judiciary, and up to four additional persons from each house designated by the presiding officer pursuant to section four of this article, shall be reimbursed for travel at the rate established in subsection (a) above, and shall further receive the per diem allowance established in said subsection in connection with their visits to the capitol for business which is related to their duties as such officers at the times when the Legislature is not in regular, extended or extraordinary session, and interim committees are not meeting.
§4-2A-8. Out-of-state expenses.
In addition to reimbursement for travel expenses as authorized in section six of this article, each member of the Legislature traveling from West Virginia to an out-of-state point or points and returning incident to the performance of his or her duties as a member of the Legislature or any committee of the Legislature, whether such committee is operating under general law or resolution, which travel has been duly authorized, shall be entitled to be reimbursed, upon submission of an expense voucher therefor, for all reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred incident thereto, but the total of any and all such reimbursed expenses, exclusive of reimbursement for such travel expenses, shall not under any circumstances exceed the actual cost of housing at the least expensive available single rate and meal and miscellaneous expenses of forty-five fifty-five dollars per day. A receipt for the amount paid for housing and for travel by any public transportation to and from West Virginia shall be submitted with the expense voucher, but a receipt shall not be required to be submitted with any such expense voucher for meal and miscellaneous expenses.
CHAPTER 5. GENERAL POWERS AND AUTHORITY OF THE GOVERNOR,

SECRETARY OF STATE AND ATTORNEY GENERAL; BOARD

OF PUBLIC WORKS; MISCELLANEOUS AGENCIES, COMMISSIONS,

OFFICES, PROGRAMS, ETC.

ARTICLE 16. WEST VIRGINIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES INSURANCE ACT.
§5-16-3. Public employees insurance agency continued; appointment, qualification, compensation and duties of director of agency; employees; civil service coverage; director vested after specified date with powers of public employees insurance board; expiration of agency.

(a) The public employees insurance agency is continued, and consists of the director, the finance board, the advisory board and any employees who may be authorized by law. The director shall be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. He or she shall serve at the will and pleasure of the governor, unless earlier removed from office for cause as provided by law. The director shall have at least three years experience in health insurance administration prior to appointment as director. The director shall receive an annual salary established by the governor not to exceed sixty-five thousand dollars and actual expenses incurred in the performance of official business. The director shall employ such administrative, technical and clerical employees as are required for the proper administration of the insurance programs provided for in this article. The director shall perform such duties as are required of him or her under the provisions of this article and is the chief administrative officer of the public employees insurance agency. The director may employ a deputy director: Provided, That the director shall report each year to the joint committee on government and finance on the agency's total contract costs for consultant contracts and the costs of the deputy director's position for the fiscal years one thousand nine hundred ninety-eight through two thousand.
(b) All positions in the agency, except for the director, his or her personal secretary, the deputy director and the chief financial officer shall be included in the classified service of
the civil service system pursuant to article six, chapter twenty-nine of this code. Any person required to be included in the classified service by the provisions of this subsection who was employed in any of the positions included in this subsection on or after the effective date of this article shall not be required to take and pass qualifying or competitive examinations upon or as a condition to being added to the classified service: Provided, That no person required to be included in the classified service by the provisions of this subsection who was employed in any of the positions included in this subsection as of the effective date of this section shall be thereafter severed, removed or terminated in his or her employment prior to his or her entry into the classified service except for cause as if the person had been in the classified service when severed, removed or terminated.
(c) The director is responsible for the administration and management of the public employees insurance agency as provided for in this article and in connection with his or her responsibility shall have the power and authority to make all rules necessary to effectuate the provisions of this article. Nothing in section four or five of this article shall limit the director's ability to manage on a day-to-day basis the group insurance plans required or authorized by this article, including, but not limited to, administrative contracting, studies, analyses and audits, eligibility determinations, utilization management provisions and incentives, provider negotiations, provider contracting and payment, designation of covered and noncovered services, offering of additional coverage options or cost containment incentives, pursuit of coordination of benefits and subrogation, or any other actions which would serve to implement the plan or plans designed by the finance board.
(d) The public employees insurance agency shall terminate in the manner provided in article ten, chapter four of this code, on the first day of July, two thousand one, unless extended by legislation enacted before the termination date: Provided, That the public employees insurance agency advisory board, created in section six of this article, shall terminate in the manner provided in article ten, chapter four of this code on the first day of July, one thousand nine hundred ninety-six.
CHAPTER 5F. REORGANIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE

BRANCH OF STATE GOVERNMENT.

ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
§5F-1-3. Oath; bond; compensation.

(a) Each person appointed to serve as a secretary shall take the oath or affirmation prescribed by section five, article four of the constitution, and such oath shall be certified by the person who administers the same and filed in the office of the secretary of state.
(b) Each person so appointed shall give bond in the penalty of twenty-five thousand dollars conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of the office, which bond shall be approved by the attorney general as to form and by the governor as to sufficiency. The surety of such bond may be a bonding or surety company, in which case the premium shall be paid out of the appropriation made for the administration of the department.
(c) Each secretary shall receive a salary of seventy thousand dollars per year. Beginning the first day of July, one thousand nine hundred ninety-nine, the secretary of the department of health and human resources shall receive an annual salary of eighty-five thousand dollars.
(d) The salary and expenses necessary for each secretary and all expenditures for personal services for the office of secretary shall be paid from and within existing appropriations made to the agencies and boards transferred to the department headed by the secretary, and revised expenditure schedules shall be submitted to the commissioner of finance and administration and the legislative auditor stating the amount and source of funds to be expended: Provided, That for fiscal years beginning the first day of July, one thousand nine hundred eighty-nine, such amounts shall follow the procedures described in chapter five-a of this code.
CHAPTER 6. GENERAL PROVISIONS RESPECTING OFFICERS.

ARTICLE 7. COMPENSATION AND ALLOWANCES.
§6-7-2. Salaries of certain state officers.
(a) The salaries for each of the state constitutional officers shall be as follows:
(a) (1) The salary of the governor shall be ninety thousand dollars per year;
(b) (2) The salary of the attorney general shall be seventy-five thousand dollars per year;
(c) (3) The salary of the auditor shall be seventy thousand dollars per year;
(d) (4) The salary of the secretary of state shall be sixty-five thousand dollars per year;
(e) (5) The salary of the commissioner of agriculture shall be seventy thousand dollars per year; and
(f) (6) The salary of the state treasurer shall be seventy thousand dollars per year.
(b) Beginning in the calendar year two thousand five, and for each calendar year thereafter, salaries for each of the state constitutional officers shall be as follows:
(1) The salary of the governor shall be ninety thousand dollars per year;
(2) The salary of the attorney general shall be ninety thousand dollars per year;
(3) The salary of the auditor shall be eighty-five thousand dollars per year;
(4) The salary of the secretary of state shall be eighty thousand dollars per year;
(5) The salary of the commissioner of agriculture shall be eighty-five thousand dollars per year; and
(6) The salary of the state treasurer shall be eighty-five thousand dollars per year.
§6-7-2a. Terms of certain appointive state officers; appointment; qualifications; powers and salaries of such officers.

(a) Each of the following appointive state officers named in this subsection shall be appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Each of such appointive state officers shall serve at the will and pleasure of the governor for the term for which the governor was elected and until the respective state officers' successors have been appointed and qualified. Each of such appointive state officers shall be subject to the existing qualifications for holding each such respective office and each shall have and is hereby granted all of the powers and authority and shall perform all of the functions and services heretofore vested in and performed by virtue of existing law respecting each such office.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, beginning on the first day of July, one thousand nine hundred ninety-nine, Prior to the first day of July, two thousand two, each such named appointive state officer shall continue to receive the annual salaries they were receiving as of the effective date of the enactment of this section in two thousand one, and thereafter, notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, the annual salary of each such named appointive state officer shall be as follows:
Administrator, division of highways, eighty-five eighty-eight thousand dollars; administrator, division of health, fifty-seven thousand two hundred dollars; administrator, division of human services, forty-seven thousand eight hundred dollars; administrator, state tax division, sixty-five thousand dollars; administrator, division of energy, sixty-five thousand dollars; administrator, division of corrections, seventy eighty-three thousand dollars; administrator, division of natural resources, sixty-five eighty-one thousand dollars; superintendent, state police, seventy eighty-one thousand dollars; administrator, lottery division, seventy eighty-seven thousand dollars; director, public employees insurance agency, seventy eighty-one thousand dollars; administrator, division of banking, fifty-five sixty-six thousand dollars; administrator, division of insurance, fifty-five sixty-six thousand dollars; administrator, division of culture and history, fifty sixty-three thousand dollars; administrator, alcohol beverage control commission, seventy thousand dollars; administrator, division of motor vehicles, seventy thousand dollars; director, division of personnel, fifty sixty thousand dollars; adjutant general, seventy eighty-one thousand dollars; chairman, health care authority, sixty-five seventy-eight thousand dollars; members, health care authority, sixty thousand dollars; director, human rights commission, forty forty-eight thousand dollars; administrator, division of labor, fifty-five sixty-six thousand dollars; administrator, division of veterans affairs, forty forty-eight thousand dollars; administrator, division of emergency services, forty forty-eight thousand dollars; members, board of parole, forty forty-eight thousand dollars; members, employment security review board, seventeen thousand dollars; members, workers' compensation appeal board, seventeen thousand eight hundred dollars; member, racing commission, five thousand dollars; administrator, bureaus of employment programs, seventy-eight thousand dollars; administrator, bureau of environment, eighty-five thousand dollars; director, office of miner's health, safety and training, sixty-five thousand dollars; chairman, public service commission, eighty-three thousand dollars; members, public service commission, seventy-eight thousand dollars. Secretaries of the departments shall be paid an annual salary as follows: Health and human resources, one hundred one thousand dollars; transportation, ninety-seven thousand dollars; tax and revenue, eighty-four thousand dollars; military affairs and public safety, eighty-four thousand dollars; administration, eighty-six thousand dollars; education and the arts, eighty-four thousand dollars.
(b) Each of the state officers named in this subsection shall continue to be appointed in the manner prescribed in this code, and, prior to the first day of July, one thousand nine hundred ninety-nine two thousand two, each of the state officers named in this subsection shall continue to receive the annual salaries they were he or she was receiving as of the effective date of the enactment of this section in one thousand nine hundred ninety-nine two thousand one, and shall thereafter, notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, be paid an annual salary as follows:
Administrator, division of risk and insurance management, fifty sixty-six thousand dollars; director, division of rehabilitation services, fifty-five sixty-six thousand dollars; executive director, educational broadcasting authority, fifty-five thousand dollars; secretary, library commission, sixty-two thousand five hundred sixty-seven thousand dollars; director, geological and economic survey, forty-seven thousand five hundred fifty-seven thousand dollars; executive director, prosecuting attorneys institute, sixty-three thousand dollars; executive director, water development authority, fifty-four thousand two hundred fifty-eight thousand dollars; executive director, public defender services, fifty-five sixty-six thousand dollars; commissioner, bureau of senior services, sixty-five seventy thousand dollars; commissioner, oil and gas conservation commission, forty thousand dollars; director, farm management commission, thirty-two thousand five hundred dollars; director, state rail authority, fifty sixty-one thousand dollars; executive secretary, women's commission, thirty thousand one hundred thirty-one thousand dollars; director, regional jail and correctional facility authority, seventy thousand dollars; director, hospital finance authority, twenty-five thousand eight hundred twenty-six thousand dollars.
(c) No increase in the salary of any appointive state officer pursuant to this section shall be paid until and unless such appointive state officer shall have first filed with the state auditor and the legislative auditor a sworn statement, on a form to be prescribed by the attorney general, certifying that his or her spending unit is in compliance with any general law providing for a salary increase for his or her employees. The attorney general shall prepare and distribute such form to the affected spending units.
CHAPTER 7. COUNTY COMMISSIONS AND OFFICERS.

ARTICLE 4. PROSECUTING ATTORNEY, REWARDS AND LEGAL ADVICE.
§7-4-6. West Virginia prosecuting attorneys institute.

(a) There is hereby created the West Virginia prosecuting attorneys institute, a public body whose membership shall consist of the fifty-five elected county prosecuting attorneys in the state. The institute shall meet at least once each calendar year and the presence of twenty-eight of the fifty-five prosecutors at any meeting constitutes a quorum for the conduct of the institute's business.
(b) There is hereby created the executive council of the West Virginia prosecuting attorneys institute which shall consist of five prosecuting attorneys elected by the membership of the West Virginia prosecuting attorneys institute at its annual meeting and two persons appointed annually by the county commissioner's association of West Virginia. The executive council shall elect one member of the council to serve as chairman of the institute for a term of one year without compensation. The executive council shall serve as the regular executive body of the institute.
(c) There is hereby created the position of executive director of the West Virginia prosecuting attorneys institute to be employed by the executive council of the institute. The executive director of the West Virginia prosecuting attorneys institute shall serve at the will and pleasure of the executive council of the institute. at an annual salary of fifty thousand dollars per year: Beginning the first day of July, one thousand nine hundred ninety-nine, the executive director shall receive an annual salary of fifty-five thousand dollars The executive director shall be licensed to practice law in the state of West Virginia and shall devote full time to his or her official duties and may not engage in the private practice of law.
(d) The duties and responsibilities of the institute, as implemented by and through its executive council and its executive director, shall include the following:
(1) To provide for special prosecuting attorneys to pursue a criminal matter in any county upon the request of a circuit court judge of that county and upon the approval of the executive council;
(2) To establish and to implement general and specialized training programs for prosecuting attorneys and their professional staffs;
(3) To provide materials for prosecuting attorneys and their professional staffs, including legal research, technical assistance and technical and professional publications;
(4) To compile and disseminate information on behalf of prosecuting attorneys and their professional staffs on current developments and changes in the law and the administration of criminal justice;
(5) To establish and to implement uniform reporting procedures for prosecuting attorneys and their professional staffs in order to maintain and to provide accurate and timely data and information relative to criminal prosecutorial matters;
(6) To accept and expend funds, grants and gifts and accept services from any public or private source;
(7) To enter into agreements and contracts with public or private agencies or educational institutions;
(8) To identify experts and other resources for use by prosecutors in criminal matters;
(9) To make recommendations to the Legislature or the supreme court of appeals of the state of West Virginia on measures required, or procedural rules to be promulgated, to make uniform the processing of juvenile cases in the fifty-five counties of the state; and
(10) To develop a written handbook for prosecutors and their assistants to use which delineates relevant information concerning the elements of various crimes in West Virginia and other information as the institute deems appropriate.
(e) Each prosecuting attorney is subject to appointment by the institute to serve as a special prosecuting attorney in any county where the prosecutor for that county or his or her office has been disqualified from participating in a particular criminal case. The circuit judge of any county of this state, who disqualifies the prosecutor or his or her office from participating in a particular criminal case in that county, shall seek the appointment by the institute of a special prosecuting attorney to substitute for the disqualified prosecutor. The executive director of the institute shall, upon written request to the institute by any circuit judge as a result of disqualification of the prosecutor or for other good cause shown, and upon approval of the executive council, appoint a prosecuting attorney to serve as a special prosecuting attorney. The special prosecuting attorney appointed shall serve without any further compensation other than that paid to him or her by his or her county, except that he or she is entitled to be reimbursed for his or her legitimate expenses associated with travel, mileage and room and board from the county to which he or she is appointed as a prosecutor. The county commission in which county he or she is special prosecutor is responsible for all expenses associated with the prosecution of the criminal action.
(f) The executive director of the institute shall maintain an appointment list that shall include the names of all fifty-five prosecuting attorneys and that shall also include the names of any assistant prosecuting attorney who wishes to serve as a special prosecuting attorney upon the same terms and conditions as set forth in this section. The executive director of the institute, with the approval of the executive council, shall appoint special prosecuting attorneys from the appointment list for any particular matter giving due consideration to the proximity of the proposed special prosecuting attorney's home county to the county requesting a special prosecutor and giving due consideration to the expertise of the special prosecuting attorney.
(g) Commencing on the first day of July, one thousand nine hundred ninety-six, each county commission shall pay, on a monthly basis, a special prosecution premium to the treasurer of the state for the funding of the West Virginia prosecuting attorneys institute. The monthly premiums shall be paid according to the following schedule:
MONTHLY PREMIUMS

Assessed Valuation of Property

of All Classes in the County

CategoryMinimum
MaximumPremium

A$1,500,000,000Unlimited$400
B$1,000,000,000$1,499,999,000$375
C$ 800,000,000$ 999,999,000$350
D$ 700,000,000$ 799,999,000$325
E$ 600,000,000$ 699,999,000$300
F$ 500,000,000$ 599,999,000$250
G$ 400,000,000$ 499,999,000$200
H$ 300,000,000$ 399,999,000$150
I$ 200,000,000$ 299,999,000$100
J -0-
$ 199,999,000$ 50

Upon receipt of a premium, grant, reimbursement or other funding source, excluding federal funds as provided in article two, chapter four of this code, the treasurer shall deposit the funds into a special revenue fund to be known as the "West Virginia prosecuting attorneys institute fund". All costs of operating the West Virginia prosecuting attorneys institute shall be paid from the West Virginia prosecuting attorneys institute fund upon proper authorization by the executive council or by the executive director of the institute and subject to annual appropriation by the Legislature of the amounts contained within the fund.
(h) The West Virginia prosecuting attorneys institute shall continue to exist until the first day of July, two thousand one, unless continued by an act of the Legislature. The institute shall annually by the first day of the regular legislative session provide the joint committee on government and finance with a report setting forth the activities of the institute and suggestions for legislative action.
(i) Neither the institute nor its employees acting in their employment capacity shall engage in activities before governmental bodies which advocate positions on issues other than those issues consistent with the duties of the institute set forth in subsection (d) of this section.
CHAPTER 10. PUBLIC LIBRARIES; PUBLIC RECREATION;

ATHLETIC ESTABLISHMENTS; MONUMENTS AND MEMORIALS;


ROSTER OF SERVICEMEN; EDUCATIONAL BROADCASTING AUTHORITY.

ARTICLE 1. PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
§10-1-13. State library commission -- Officers.

The officers of the commission shall be a chairman, elected from the members of the commission, for a term of one year, and a secretary, who shall be a person trained in modern library methods, not a member of the commission. The secretary shall be appointed by the commission and shall serve at the will of the commission. Notwithstanding any other provision of the code to the contrary, the salary of the secretary shall be sixty-two thousand five hundred dollars per year. The commission may establish headquarters or maintain its office at such point in the state as it may determine.
The secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of the commission, have charge of its work in organizing new libraries and improving those already established, supervise the work of the traveling libraries, and in general perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned to him or her by the commission.
CHAPTER 11. TAXATION.

ARTICLE 1. SUPERVISION.
§11-1-1. Office of tax commissioner continued and designated the state tax division; appointment, term, oath and bond of commissioner; powers and duties generally; sections of division; assistant tax commissioner; assistant attorneys general to assist commissioner.

(a) The office of the tax commissioner shall be continued in all respects as heretofore constituted in the state government, but is hereby designated as the state tax division of the department of tax and revenue.
(b) The tax commissioner shall be the chief executive officer of the state tax division and shall be appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to serve at the will and pleasure of the governor for the term for which the governor was elected and until a successor has been appointed and has qualified.
(c) The tax commissioner, before entering upon the duties of office, shall take the oath or affirmation prescribed by section 5, article IV of the constitution. The tax commissioner shall give bond with good security, to be approved by the governor, in the penalty of fifteen thousand dollars. The salary of the tax commissioner shall be sixty-five thousand dollars a year or the amount specified in section two-a, article seven, chapter six of this code, whichever amount is greater. The tax commissioner shall be repaid his or her actual disbursements for traveling expenses. The tax commissioner shall be provided with an office in the capitol and with furniture, office equipment and clerical assistance as shall be necessary.
(d) The tax commissioner shall have control and supervision of the state tax division and shall be responsible for the work of each of its sections or other subunits. Each section or bureau shall be headed by a director appointed by the tax commissioner and who shall be responsible to the tax commissioner for the work of his or her section or bureau. The tax commissioner may create such sections or bureaus and employ staff or employees as may be necessary to administer the state tax laws for which the tax commissioner or tax division is responsible, within the amount of expenditures appropriated for operation of the tax division by the Legislature. The tax commissioner shall have authority to appoint an assistant tax commissioner who shall be his or her principal assistant. The powers and duties vested in the tax commissioner by this chapter and any other provisions of law may be delegated by the tax commissioner to the assistant or other employees, but the tax commissioner shall be responsible for all official acts of such delegates.
(e) The tax commissioner, if he or she deems considers such action necessary, may request the attorney general to appoint assistant attorneys general who shall perform duties as may be required by the tax commissioner. The attorney general, in pursuance of such request, may select and appoint assistant attorneys general, with the consent of the tax commissioner, to serve during the will and pleasure of the attorney general, and the assistants shall be paid out of any funds made available for that purpose by the Legislature to the state tax division.
CHAPTER 16. PUBLIC HEALTH.

ARTICLE 29B. HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY.
§16-29B-5. West Virginia health care authority; composition of the board; qualifications; terms; oath; expenses of members; vacancies; appointment of chairman, and meetings of the board.

The "West Virginia Health Care Cost Review Authority", heretofore created as an autonomous division of the department of health, is hereby continued as an autonomous division of the department of health and human resources and shall be known as the "West Virginia Health Care Authority", hereinafter referred to as the board. Any references in this code to the West Virginia health care cost review authority shall mean the West Virginia health care authority.
(a) The board shall consist of three members, appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The board members shall be citizens and residents of this state. No more than two of said board members may be members of the same political party. One board member shall have a background in health care finance or economics, one board member shall have previous employment experience in human services, business administration or substantially related fields and one board member shall be a consumer of health services with a demonstrated interest in health care issues.
(b) Each board member 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 the state of West Virginia, which oath shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state. The governor shall designate one of the board members to serve as chairman at the governor's will and pleasure. The chairman shall be the chief administrative officer of the board. The governor may remove any board member only for incompetency, neglect of duty, gross immorality, malfeasance in office or violation of the provisions of this article. The governor shall appoint three board members, one for a term of two years, one for a term of four years and one for a term of six years, with all the terms beginning on the twelfth day of March, one thousand nine hundred eighty-three. All future appointments shall be for terms of six years, except that an appointment to fill a vacancy shall be for the unexpired term only.
(c) No person while in the employ of, or holding any official relation to, any hospital or health care provider subject to the provisions of this article, or who has any pecuniary interest therein, may serve as a member of the board or as an employee thereof. Nor may any such board member be a candidate for or hold public office or be a member of any political committee while acting as such board member; nor may any board member or employee of said board receive anything of value, either directly or indirectly, from any third-party payor or health care provider. Should any of the board members become a candidate for any public office or for membership on any political committee, the governor shall remove said board member from the board and shall appoint a new board member to fill the vacancy created. No board member or former board member may accept employment with any hospital or health care provider subject to the jurisdiction of the board in violation of the West Virginia governmental ethics act, chapter six-b of this code: Provided, That such act shall not apply to employment accepted after termination of the board.
(d) The concurrent judgment of two of the board members when in session as the board shall be deemed the action of the board. A vacancy in the board shall not affect the right or duty of the remaining board members to function as a board.
(e) In order to adequately compensate the chairman of the board and other members of the board for additional duties newly imposed by law and not heretofore required by law, the annual salary of the chairman of the board shall be sixty-five thousand dollars and the annual salary of the other board members shall be sixty thousand dollars.
CHAPTER 19. AGRICULTURE.

ARTICLE 23. HORSE AND DOG RACING.
§19-23-4. West Virginia racing commission continued as a public corporation; composition; terms; vacancies; qualifications, expenses of members; principal office; meetings; election of officers; quorum; inspection of records; annual report.

(a) The "West Virginia racing commission," heretofore created, shall continue in existence as a public corporation and, as such, may contract and be contracted with, plead and be impleaded, sue and be sued and have and use a common seal.
(b) The racing commission shall consist of three members, not more than two of whom shall belong to the same political party, to be appointed by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The term of office for the members of such racing commission shall be four years, and until their successors have been appointed and have qualified, and members of the racing commission may serve any number of successive terms. The members of the racing commission in office on the effective date of this article the amendment and reenactment of this section in two thousand one shall, unless removed by the governor after the effective date of this article, continue to serve until their terms expire and until their successors have been appointed and have qualified. Any vacancy in the office of a member of the racing commission shall be filled by appointment by the governor for the unexpired term of the member whose office shall be vacant. No individual shall be eligible for appointment to or to serve upon the racing commission:
(1) Unless he or she is an actual and bona fide resident of this state, shall have resided in this state for a period of at least five years next preceding his or her appointment, shall be a qualified voter of this state and be not less than twenty-five years of age;
(2) Who directly or indirectly, or in any capacity, owns or has any interest, in any manner whatever, in any racetrack where horse or dog race meetings may be held, including, but not limited to, an interest as owner, lessor, lessee, stockholder or employee;
(3) While serving as a member of the Legislature or as an elective officer of this state; or
(4) Who has been or shall be convicted of an offense which, under the law of this state or any other state or of the United States of America, constitutes a felony, or is a violation of article four, chapter sixty-one of this code.
(c) Each member of the racing commission shall receive a salary of five thousand dollars per annum to be paid in monthly installments and shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred in the performance of his or her duties as a member of the racing commission.
(d) The racing commission shall have its principal office at the seat of government, and shall meet annually at its principal office in the month of January, and at such other times and places as shall be designated by its chairman. At such annual meeting the racing commission shall elect from its membership a chairman and such other officers as may be desired. Other meetings of the racing commission may be called by the chairman on such notice to the other members as may be prescribed by the racing commission.
(e) A majority of the members of the racing commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of its business or the exercise of any of its powers and authority. No individual not a bona fide member of the racing commission shall vote upon or participate in the deliberations of the racing commission on any matter which may come before it. All racing commission records, except as otherwise provided by law, shall be open to public inspection during regular office hours.
(f) As soon as possible after the close of each calendar year, the racing commission shall submit to the governor a report of the transactions of the racing commission during the preceding calendar year.
CHAPTER 21A. UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION.

ARTICLE 2. THE COMMISSIONER OF THE BUREAU OF EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS.
§21A-2-5. Traveling expenses.
Notwithstanding the provisions of section two-a, article seven, chapter six of this code, The commissioner of the bureau of employment programs shall receive a yearly salary of sixty-five thousand dollars and the necessary traveling expenses incident to the performance of his or her duties. Requisition for traveling expenses shall be accompanied by a sworn itemized statement which shall be filed with the auditor and preserved as a public record.
CHAPTER 22. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES.

ARTICLE 1. DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
§22-1-6. Director of the division of environmental protection.

(a) The director is the chief executive officer of the division. Subject to section seven of this article and other provisions of law, the director shall organize the division into such offices, sections, agencies and other units of activity as may be found by the director to be desirable for the orderly, efficient and economical administration of the division and for the accomplishment of its objects and purposes. The director may appoint assistants, hearing officers, clerks, stenographers and other officers, technical personnel and employees needed for the operation of the division and may prescribe their powers and duties and fix their compensation within amounts appropriated therefor.
(b) The director has the power to and may designate supervisory officers or other officers or employees of the division to substitute for him or her on any board or commission established under this code or to sit in his or her place in any hearings, appeals, meetings or other activities with such substitute having the same powers, duties, authority and responsibility as the director. Additionally, the director has the power to delegate, as he or she considers appropriate, to supervisory officers or other officers or employees of the division his or her powers, duties, authority and responsibility relating to issuing permits, hiring and training inspectors and other employees of the division, conducting hearings and appeals and such other duties and functions set forth in this chapter or elsewhere in this code.
(c) The director has responsibility for the conduct of the intergovernmental relations of the division, including assuring: (1) That the division carries out its functions in a manner which supplements and complements the environmental policies, programs and procedures of the federal government, other state governments and other instrumentalities of this state; and (2) that appropriate officers and employees of the division consult with individuals responsible for making policy relating to environmental issues in the federal government, other state governments and other instrumentalities of this state concerning differences over environmental policies, programs and procedures and concerning the impact of statutory law and rules upon the environment of this state.
(d) In addition to other powers, duties and responsibilities granted and assigned to the director by this chapter, the director is hereby authorized and empowered to:
(1) Sign and execute in the name of the state by the "division of environmental protection" any contract or agreement with the federal government or its departments or agencies, subdivisions of the state, corporations, associations, partnerships or individuals: Provided, That the powers granted to the director to enter into agreements or contracts and to make expenditures and obligations of public funds under this subdivision may not exceed or be interpreted as authority to exceed the powers heretofore granted by the Legislature to the various commissioners, directors or board members of the various departments, agencies or boards that comprise and are incorporated into each secretary's department pursuant to the provisions of chapter five-f of this code;
(2) Conduct research in improved environmental protection methods and disseminate information to the citizens of this state;
(3) Enter private lands to make surveys and inspections for environmental protection purposes; to investigate for violations of statutes or rules which the division is charged with enforcing; to serve and execute warrants and processes; to make arrests; issue orders, which for the purposes of this chapter include consent agreements; and to otherwise enforce the statutes or rules which the division is charged with enforcing;
(4) Acquire for the state in the name of the "division of environmental protection" by purchase, condemnation, lease or agreement, or accept or reject for the state, in the name of the division of environmental protection, gifts, donations, contributions, bequests or devises of money, security or property, both real and personal, and any interest in such property;
(5) Provide for workshops, training programs and other educational programs, apart from or in cooperation with other governmental agencies, necessary to insure adequate standards of public service in the division. The director may also provide for technical training and specialized instruction of any employee. Approved educational programs, training and instruction time may be compensated for as a part of regular employment. The director is further authorized to pay out of federal or state funds, or both, as such funds are available, fees and expenses incidental to such educational programs, training, and instruction. Eligibility for participation by employees will be in accordance with guidelines established by the director;
(6) Issue certifications required under 33 U.S.C. §1341 of the federal Clean Water Act and may enter into agreements in accordance with the provisions of section seven-a, article eleven of this chapter. Prior to issuing any such certification the director shall solicit from the division of natural resources reports and comments concerning the possible certification. The reports and comments shall be directed from the division of natural resources to the director for consideration; and
(7) Notwithstanding any provisions of this code to the contrary, employ in-house counsel to perform all legal services for the director and the division, including, but not limited to, representing the director, any chief, the division or any office thereof in any administrative proceeding or in any proceeding in any state or federal court, said counsel to be classified-exempt. Additionally, the director may call upon the attorney general for legal assistance and representation as provided by law.
(e) The director shall be appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and serves at the will and pleasure of the governor. Provided, That in lieu of appointing a director, the governor may order the secretary to directly exercise the powers of the director. The secretary shall designate the order in which other officials of the division shall act for and perform the functions of the secretary or the director during the absence or disability of both the secretary and the director or in the event of vacancies in both of those offices
(f) At the time of his or her initial appointment, the director shall be at least thirty years old and shall be selected with special reference and consideration given to his or her administrative experience and ability, to his or her demonstrated interest in the effective and responsible regulation of the energy industry and the conservation and wise use of natural resources. The director shall have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field and shall have at least three years of experience in a position of responsible charge in at least one discipline relating to the duties and responsibilities for which the director will be responsible upon assumption of the office of director. The director may not be a candidate for or hold any other public office, may not be a member of any political party committee and shall immediately forfeit and vacate his or her office as director in the event he or she becomes a candidate for or accepts appointment to any other public office or political party committee.
(g) The director shall receive an annual salary of sixty-five thousand dollars 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, the director shall take and subscribe to the oath required of public officers prescribed by section five, article IV of the constitution of West Virginia and shall execute a bond, with surety approved by the governor, in the penal sum of ten thousand dollars, which executed oath and bond shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state. Premiums on the bond shall be paid from the division funds.
CHAPTER 22A. MINERS' HEALTH, SAFETY AND TRAINING.

ARTICLE 1. OFFICE OF MINERS' HEALTH, SAFETY AND TRAINING; ADMINISTRATION; ENFORCEMENT.

§22A-1-3. Director of the office of miners' health, safety and training.

(a) The director of the office of miners' health, safety and training is responsible for surface and underground safety inspections of coal mines and the administration of the office of miners' health, safety and training. and of such other matters as are delegated or assigned to the director by the secretary of the department of commerce, labor and environmental resources
(b) The director is the chief executive officer of the office. Subject to provisions of law, he or she shall organize the office into such offices, sections, agencies and other units of activity as may be found by the director to be desirable for the orderly, efficient and economical administration of the office. The director may appoint such other employees needed for the operation of the office and may prescribe their powers and duties and fix their compensation within amounts appropriated therefor.
(c) The director shall be appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall serve at the will and pleasure of the governor. Provided, That, in lieu of appointing a director, the governor may order the secretary to directly exercise the powers of the director. The secretary shall designate the order in which other officials of the office shall act for and perform the functions of the secretary or the director during the absence or disability of both the secretary or the director or in the event of vacancies in both of those offices
(d) The director of the office of miners' health, safety and training shall be a citizen of West Virginia, shall be a competent person of good repute and temperate habits with a demonstrated interest and five years' experience in underground coal mining and shall have at least three years of experience in a position of responsible charge in at least one discipline relating to the duties and responsibilities for which the director will be responsible upon assumption of the office of director. Special reference shall be given to his or her administrative experience and ability. The director shall devote all of his or her time to the duties of the position of director and shall not be directly interested financially in any mine in this or any other state nor shall the director, either directly or indirectly, be a majority owner of, or have control of or a controlling interest in, a mine in this or any other state. The director shall not be a candidate for or hold any other public office, shall not be a member of any political party committee and shall immediately forfeit and vacate his or her office as director in the event he or she becomes a candidate for or accepts appointment to any other public office or political party committee.
(e) The director shall receive an annual salary of sixty-five thousand dollars and shall be allowed and paid necessary expenses incident to the performance of his or her official duties. Prior to the assumption of his or her official duties, the director shall take the oath required of public officials prescribed by section 5, article IV of the constitution of West Virginia and shall execute a bond, with surety approved by the governor, in the penal sum of ten thousand dollars, which executed oath and bond shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state. Premiums on the bond shall be paid from office funds.
CHAPTER 24. PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.

ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
§24-1-3. Commission continued; membership; chairman; compensation.

(a) The public service commission of West Virginia, heretofore established, 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. After having conducted a performance audit through its joint committee on government operations, pursuant to section nine, article ten, chapter four of this code, the Legislature hereby finds and declares that the public service commission should be continued and reestablished. Accordingly, notwithstanding the provisions of section five, article ten, chapter four of this code, the public service commission shall continue to exist until the first day of July, two thousand one. The public service commission may sue and be sued by that name. 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. No more than two of the commissioners shall be members of the same political party. 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. 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 subsection (c) of this section.
(b) The unexpired terms of members of the public service commission at the time this subsection becomes effective are continued. 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. The commissioners whose terms are terminated by the provisions of this subsection are eligible for reappointment.
(c) 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. 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.
(d) The salaries of members of the public service commission and the manner in which they are paid established by the prior enactment of this section are continued. Effective the first day of July, one two thousand one nine hundred ninety-six, and in light of the assignment of new, substantial additional duties embracing new areas and fields of activity under certain legislative enactments, the annual salary of each commissioner shall receive an annual salary of sixty-five thousand dollars to provided in section two-a, article seven, chapter six of this code shall be paid in monthly installments from the special funds in the amounts percentages that follow:
(1) From the public service commission fund collected under the provisions of section six, article three of this chapter, fifty-two thousand dollars 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, ten thousand eight hundred fifty dollars 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, two thousand one hundred fifty dollars three percent.
In addition to this the salary provided for all commissioners in section two-a, article seven, chapter six of this code, the chairman of the commission shall receive five thousand dollars per annum to be paid in monthly installments from the public service commission fund collected under the provisions of section six, article three of this chapter. on and after the first day of July, one thousand nine hundred ninety-six




NOTE: The purpose of the bill is to provide salary adjustments for certain public officials.

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


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