West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB4059

Introduced
1/12/22  
Refer
1/12/22  
Engrossed
1/19/22  
Refer
1/20/22  
Refer
1/20/22  
Report Pass
3/8/22  
Enrolled
3/12/22  
Passed
3/12/22  

Caption

Clarifying that new Department of Health and Human Resources' Deputy Commissioners are exempt from civil service

Impact

The enactment of HB 4059 will directly affect the structure of employment within the Department of Health and Human Resources. By exempting certain key roles from civil service, the bill allows for greater flexibility in appointing individuals who align with the goals and policies of the current administration. This may lead to a quicker response in addressing health and human services issues, particularly crucial in a rapidly changing public health landscape. However, it is accompanied by concerns regarding accountability and the potential erosion of public sector employment protections.

Summary

House Bill 4059 seeks to amend the West Virginia Code by clarifying the exemptions from the classified civil service for certain positions within the Department of Health and Human Resources. The bill specifically establishes that all new Deputy Commissioners of the department will be recognized as policy-making positions that are exempt from civil service regulations. This change aims to streamline the appointment of key officials in the department without the constraints typically associated with civil service hiring practices.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 4059 have highlighted a range of sentiments, with strong support from those who favor a more agile government structure capable of addressing public health emergencies effectively. Proponents argue that the ability to hire and remove individuals based on policy alignment will foster innovation and responsiveness within the department. Conversely, critics express concern about the implications for civil service integrity and the possibility that such exemptions might favor political loyalty over competency and fairness in hiring processes.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between efficient governance and the preservation of a fair and transparent civil service system. Critics of the bill worry that exempting additional positions may lead to political favoritism and undermine the established standards meant to ensure equal opportunity in public employment. The debate reflects broader tensions within state governance regarding transparency, accountability, and the role of civil service protections in public administration.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV HB4286

Relating to exempting persons employed as attorneys from the civil service system

WV SB3106

Relating To Exemptions From Civil Service For Positions In The Department Of Human Services.

WV HB2138

Relating To Exemptions From Civil Service For Positions In The Department Of Human Services.

WV HB339

Relating To Exemptions From Civil Service For Positions In The Department Of Human Services.

WV HB4020

Relating to reorganizing the Department of Health and Human Resources

WV SB1440

Relating To Exemptions From Civil Service For Certain Positions In The Department Of Health.

WV HB1121

Relating To Exemptions From Civil Service For Certain Positions In The Department Of Health.

WV HB2006

Relating to reorganizing the Department of Health and Human Resources

WV SB421

Renaming Department of Health and Human Resources

WV HB4274

Renaming the Department of Health and Human Resources

Similar Bills

WV HB4286

Relating to exempting persons employed as attorneys from the civil service system

WV SB814

Streamlining and simplifying state employee merit system

WV HB3279

Relating to requirements for WVU and WVSU Board of Governors

WV HB5625

Relating to updating names of institutions of higher education and nondiscrimination in leadership positions

AL SB294

Regarding non-merit system state employees; to amend Section 36-26-10, Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for the number of exempt service employees allowable in each department or agency.

LA HB246

Provides relative to the Department of Elderly Affairs, including provisions for officers and employees, rulemaking, and funding (EGF NO IMPACT See Note)

MN HF4309

Classification treatment of temporary positions for purposes of Public Labor Relations Act modified.

CA AB337

Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges.