Exempting new hires and promoted employees within certain state agencies from classified civil service system

SB 798 exempts new hires and promoted employees within five specific West Virginia state agencies (Bureau of Senior Services, Department of Administration, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Revenue, and Department of Veterans Affairs) from the classified civil service system and state grievance procedures starting July 1, 2025. Current employees in these departments retain their existing classified status and grievance rights in their current positions, but employees who leave and return to these departments will transition to the exempt system. The bill grants department secretaries authority to designate exempt status for federal compliance needs, while maintaining prohibitions against nepotism, discrimination, and unethical practices. Governor-appointed positions remain subject to existing civil service rules.