Creating State Council on Competitive Government

SB 488 creates the West Virginia Council on Competitive Government, composed of state leaders including the Governor, legislative leaders, and agency directors. The Council will identify state agency services that could be provided more efficiently through competition with private companies or other state agencies, requiring agencies to use competitive processes like bidding when appropriate. It must consider all costs - including indirect agency expenses and comparable employee benefits - when evaluating service options, and state agencies must follow its directives. Local governments may voluntarily participate in the Council's contracts, which would satisfy their own competitive purchasing requirements.