To allow for the reinstatement of retired Deputy Sheriffs to their former departments.

This bill (HB 4872) amends West Virginia law to establish clear guidelines for former deputy sheriffs who resigned (not retired) to seek reinstatement with their original department. It allows eligible former deputies to reapply within five years of resignation if they have no pending misconduct charges, reside in the same county, and pass a medical and psychological exam. The sheriff holds full discretion to approve or deny reinstatement, and successfully reinstated deputies would start at the lowest rank above probationary deputies. The bill specifically updates existing rules to replace a prior two-year window with a five-year limit for reapplication.