WV HB2009

Abolishes the Department of Arts, Culture, and History effective July 1, 2025, transferring all its sections and commissions to the Department of Tourism, including the Arts Section, Archives and History Section, Museums Section, Historic Preservation Section, State Library Section, and Educational Broadcasting Commission.

Grants the Secretary of the Department of Tourism control and supervision over all transferred sections and commissions, including authority to appoint directors, approve or repeal rules, and manage facilities such as the West Virginia Science and Culture Center and West Virginia Independence Hall.

Exempts all new hires and employees who change positions within the Department of Tourism after July 1, 2025, from the state classified civil service system and state grievance procedures, while allowing current employees to retain their existing protections as long as they remain in their current positions.

Repeals sections establishing the Executive Compensation Commission (§5F-1-3a) and removes specific qualification requirements for section directors, giving the Secretary discretion to allow individuals to serve in multiple positions.

Requires the State Historic Preservation Office to conduct reviews in the most expedient manner possible without adding impediments beyond federal requirements, and prohibits additional state-level regulation of development projects beyond what federal law mandates.