SB 849 would create a new statutory section authorizing a “market pay enhancement” for West Virginia State Police troopers based on regional housing-cost differences. Beginning in 2026, the State Police would calculate a county-specific multiplier using the difference between the West Virginia median home price and the regional median home price, then apply that multiplier to the average trooper base salary in each county. If the calculation produces a positive amount, troopers in that county would receive an annual lump-sum enhancement until the next five-year recalculation.
The bill sets out a detailed process for determining the enhancement, including definitions for region, border state, detachment, and the home-price data source, which is the National Association of Realtors. It also requires certification to the State Auditor, annual distribution of the payments, and reporting to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance. The enhancement would be paid in addition to existing minimum salary schedule amounts and any applicable county supplements, would be subject to state personal income tax, and would not be subject to the state grievance process. The State Police would also be authorized to propose implementing rules.
Impact
SB 849 would add a new compensation mechanism to West Virginia law for State Police troopers, creating a county-based market adjustment tied to housing costs and regional salary competitiveness. It would affect the West Virginia Code provisions governing State Police employment and pay by layering a new annual lump-sum enhancement on top of existing salary schedules and county supplements, while also assigning administrative duties to the State Police, State Auditor, and legislative oversight committees. The bill would not change trooper base pay directly, but it would create a recurring statutory formula that could increase compensation in higher-cost counties and potentially influence recruitment and retention.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears supportive of improving State Police compensation and competitiveness. The findings section frames the bill as a response to recruitment, retention, and regional cost-of-living disparities, suggesting the sponsor’s intent is to strengthen the State Police workforce. No contrary testimony or recorded opposition is included in the available context, so there is no documented split in sentiment from committee discussion or voting history.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are the bill’s formula-based approach, its administrative complexity, and its fiscal implications. Because the enhancement is tied to median home prices and recalculated every five years, lawmakers or stakeholders could question whether housing data is the best proxy for law-enforcement labor markets and whether the formula will produce uneven treatment across counties. The bill also creates new reporting, certification, and rulemaking duties, which may raise implementation concerns. In addition, the provision stating there is no grievance right for market pay disparities could be controversial for employee representatives, and the use of lump-sum payments subject to income tax may affect how the benefit is perceived by troopers.
Making a supplementary appropriation to the Department of Human Services, Bureau for Medical Services – Policy and Programming and State Board of Education – State Department of Education
Expiring funds to the unappropriated surplus balance in the State Fund, General Revenue, from the Department Revenue, State Budget Office, PEIA Rainy Day Fund
Supplementing and amending appropriations to the Higher Education Policy Commission, Higher Education Policy Commission – Administration – Control Account