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West VirginiaHB 45612026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Clarifying the sheriff’s authority to hire within their office.

Sponsored By: Eric Brooks (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§7-14-13

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Changes for chief deputies and jailers

Beginning June 8, 2026, a sheriff may appoint more than one chief deputy with county commission consent. People serving as chief deputy or as jailer keep civil service rights and benefits under this article. They can be removed from that office without cause, but time in the job counts toward total deputy service. If removed for reasons other than just cause, they keep the regular deputy rank they held or earned.

Merit-based promotions for deputy sheriffs

Beginning June 8, 2026, sheriff’s offices fill open deputy jobs, when practicable, by promoting from the next lower rank. Promotions are based on merit and fitness, with competitive exams run by the Civil Service Commission, and past service counts. Most deputies must complete at least two years in the lower grade before moving up. That two-year rule does not apply to the chief deputy or jailer roles. The commission decides if a pay raise counts as a promotion.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Eric Brooks

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • David Green

    Republican • House

  • Carl Martin

    Republican • House

  • Pritt

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Carl "Bill" Roop

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 122 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 401)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 2/13/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 87)

Yes: 88 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter 210, Acts, Regular Session, 2026

    6/29/2026House

  2. Approved by Governor 3/19/2026

    3/19/2026House

  3. Approved by Governor 3/19/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  4. Approved by Governor 3/19/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  5. To Governor 3/11/2026

    3/11/2026House

  6. To Governor 3/11/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/11/2026Senate

  7. On 3rd reading

    3/10/2026Senate

  8. Read 3rd time

    3/10/2026Senate

  9. Passed Senate (Roll No. 401)

    3/10/2026Senate

  10. Communicated to House

    3/10/2026Senate

  11. Completed legislative action

    3/10/2026Senate

  12. House received Senate message

    3/10/2026House

  13. On 2nd reading

    3/9/2026Senate

  14. Read 2nd time

    3/9/2026Senate

  15. On 1st reading

    3/6/2026Senate

  16. Read 1st time

    3/6/2026Senate

  17. Reported do pass

    3/5/2026Senate

  18. Introduced in Senate

    2/16/2026Senate

  19. To Government Organization

    2/16/2026Senate

  20. To Government Organization

    2/16/2026Senate

  21. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    2/13/2026House

  22. Read 3rd time

    2/13/2026House

  23. Passed House (Roll No. 87)

    2/13/2026House

  24. Communicated to Senate

    2/13/2026House

  25. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    2/12/2026House

Bill Text

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