Photo provided by: West Virginia State Capitol Photo Shoot
Rep. John Paul Hott, R-Grant, said HB 4734 keeps the promise of improved pay for non-uniformed correctional officers.
CHARLESTON — A bill aimed at providing pay increases for non-uniformed employees at West Virginia correctional facilities has easily cleared another hurdle, but Gov. Jim Justice's proposed pay increase for public employees The first part of the bill is about to be presented to the full House of Commons.
The House Finance Committee met Thursday morning to recommend House Bill 4734, which would increase pay for state correctional officers in West Virginia, and sent the bill to the full chamber for consideration.
HB 4734 would provide salary increases for non-uniformed full-time administrative employees of the State Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR). The Legislature already voted to increase pay for correctional officers in a special session last summer, but only authorized a one-time bonus for non-uniformed employees.
“Last year, we went back and addressed correctional officers,” said Rep. Clay Riley, R-Harrison, one of the bill's co-sponsors. “I’m glad the House has taken up this matter.”
Employees with three or more years of service to DCR will receive a 3% equal pay adjustment starting July 1. A new employee of DCR or a DCR employee with less than 3 years of service will receive a 3% salary increase upon reaching the third year of employment. employment. According to the latest financial report, the estimated total cost will be $1.7 million in fiscal year 2025 and $2.3 million upon full implementation.
“This delivers on its promise,” said Rep. John Paul Hotto (R-Grant), who is also a co-sponsor of the bill. “These people continue to support us and keep our jails and prisons running safely. This is the right and appropriate thing to do for this body.”
In August 2023, the Legislature and Gov. Jim Justice approved $21.1 million in starting salary increases and salary scale changes for correctional officers, while providing $600 in one-time payments to support staff in the correctional system starting last October. Approved to provide nearly $10,000.
The lead sponsor of HB 4734 was Rep. Ty Nester, R-Randolph. House Prisons Committee Chairman David Kelly, R-Tyler, was also a sponsor. The House Prisons Committee recommended that the bill be passed on February 1st.
West Virginia is under a second state of emergency starting in August 2022 due to vacancies in correctional officers and staff at the state's prisons and jails. At one point, more than 350 West Virginia National Guard members were in state prisons and jails providing support. Approximately $30 million was spent on these implementations.
The remaining National Guard members serve inmates in the state's system of 11 prisons, 10 local jails, 10 juvenile centers and three worker release facilities, according to testimony from DCR officials before the House Prisons Committee last week. He is said to be helping him fulfill his non-related responsibilities. It could be fully assembled by April or May. Officials credit higher pay levels and other incentives with helping to alleviate staffing shortages.
The House Finance Committee also recommended passage of House Bill 4883. The bill would increase salaries by 5% for teachers, school employees and West Virginia State Police officers. The bill would cost $80.3 million starting in fiscal year 2025, according to the fiscal report.
Last year, a judge asked for a fifth pay increase for state employees, teachers, school staff and state troopers. He included the wage increase demand in his eighth and final State of the State address, which begins the 2024 legislative session on January 10.
While raises for other state employees were included in the budget the Court of Justice submitted to the Legislature earlier this year, the raises are a separate law because salaries for teachers, school employees, and state police officers are set by law. must be done by. State code. The total cost of raises for all state employees, paid from the General Fund budget, is $123 million.
