Transfer of driver's licensing examination function

(a) Effective July 1, 1999, the responsibility for driver's licensing examinations and civilian employees of the West Virginia state police whose primary governmental duties as of June 30, 1999, involve the examination of applicants for instruction permits and driver's licenses shall be transferred from the West Virginia state police to the Division of Motor Vehicles. (b) Effective July 1, 1999, until December 31, 2000, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may delegate responsibility for the supervision of the civilian employees and the operation of the examination program to the superintendent of the West Virginia state police pending the orderly transfer and hiring of the necessary personnel, transfer and purchase of necessary equipment and supplies and the establishment of suitable examination locations. The commissioner may also reimburse the West Virginia state police for the services of personnel, equipment, supplies and office space at state police facilities necessary to maintain the examination program at its current level of service during the transfer period. The commissioner may also utilize existing state police locations as examination and licensing locations unless in his or her opinion, more suitable locations are available. The commissioner shall reimburse the West Virginia state police for that use.