Relating to the merging and reorganizing of the executive branch

Added a new title for the bill that clearly lists all affected code sections and explains the purpose of the reorganization.

Corrected inconsistent section references and titles throughout the code to ensure the Department of Tourism is properly designated.

Clarified that civil service exemptions for new hires and internal transfers within the Department of Tourism begin on July 1, 2025.

Updated terminology to replace references to the Department of Arts, Culture, and History with the new Department of Tourism designation.

Removed specific educational and experience requirements for section directors to give the Secretary more flexibility in appointments.

Abolished the Department of Arts, Culture, and History and transferred all its sections, commissions, and functions to the Department of Tourism effective July 1, 2025.

Repealed the Executive Compensation Commission and House Bill 4006 amendments effective date sections.

Added new powers and duties for the Department of Tourism including coordinating media events, providing strategic planning services, promoting attractions in other states, and managing West Virginia Welcome Centers.

Added authority for the Tourism Secretary to approve or repeal rules promulgated by sections and commissions, and to designate certain employees' civil service status for federal compliance.

Added requirement for the Department of Tourism to submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature about tourism industry development and funding needs.

Modified employee classification rules - new hires and employees moving positions within the Department of Tourism will be in the classified exempt service system and exempt from state grievance procedures starting July 1, 2025.

Changed titles and references throughout the code - 'Secretary of Department of Arts, Culture, and History' is now 'Secretary of Department of Tourism' and 'Division of Culture and History' is now 'Department of Tourism'.

Modified the Library Facilities Fund provisions and added provisions for the West Virginia Program for Open Education Resources under the State Library Section.

Abolished the Department of Arts, Culture, and History and transferred all its sections and commissions to the Department of Tourism.

Requires the Secretary of Tourism to exercise control and supervision over all transferred sections and commissions, including the Arts Section, Archives and History Section, Museums Section, Historic Preservation Section, State Library Section, and various commissions.

Gives the Secretary of Tourism authority to approve or repeal rules promulgated by transferred sections and commissions.

Allows the Secretary of Tourism to designate certain employees' civil service status to comply with federal regulations or requirements for receiving federal funding.

Permits the Secretary of Tourism to allow a person to serve in multiple positions or professions within the transferred sections and commissions.

Removed specific qualifications for persons appointed as directors of various sections.

Employees in transferred sections and commissions will be exempt from state grievance procedures and classified civil service systems starting July 1, 2025, except those currently in those systems who remain in their current positions.

Updated references throughout the code to replace 'Commissioner of Culture and History' and 'Curator of the Department of Arts, Culture, and History' with 'Secretary of the Department of Tourism'.

Abolished the Department of Arts, Culture, and History and merged all its sections and commissions into the Department of Tourism, creating a unified executive department.

Expanded the National Coal Heritage Area Commission to include the Department of Tourism as a management entity alongside other departments for historic preservation and economic development in coal-producing counties.

Changed employee classification requirements so that all new hires and employees moving into the Department of Tourism after July 1, 2025, are in the classified exempt service system and exempt from state grievance procedures, with exceptions for current employees and Governor-appointed positions.

Modified appointment qualifications for various section directors, reducing some degree and experience requirements while maintaining flexibility for current employees.

Updated terminology throughout the code to replace references to 'Department of Arts, Culture, and History' with 'Department of Tourism' and 'Secretary of the Department of Tourism'.

Repealed several outdated reorganization provisions including the Executive Compensation Commission and House Bill 4006 amendments effective date sections.