Relating to recognizing the law-enforcement powers of correctional officers employed by the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

HB 2362 clarifies and expands the law-enforcement authority of correctional officers in West Virginia's Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. It removes standard law-enforcement certification requirements for officers who complete the division's training program, authorizes the commissioner to consult with a professional standards subcommittee on training, and specifies their arrest powers (e.g., for violations on facility property or during custody). The bill also allows correctional officers to carry firearms after completing approved training, designates certain staff as "correctional peace officers" with limited investigative and warrant-execution authority, and continues the Corrections Special Operations Team with specific response responsibilities. These changes directly affect correctional officers and their operational capabilities within state correctional facilities.