Transferring child welfare enforcement responsibilities to State Police

Senate Bill 265 transfers child welfare enforcement responsibilities from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources to the West Virginia State Police, effective January 1, 2026. It requires the transfer of all related employees, funds, and property to the State Police by that date. Transferred employees will remain in the Civil Service System, continue in the Public Employees Retirement System, and maintain their insurance coverage under the Public Employees Insurance Act. The State Police and the Department must propose implementing rules for legislative approval to carry out this transfer.