HB 4978 West Virginia House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Permitting Workforce WV to actively reach out to Unemployment Compensation filers with available jobs that fit their prior job history and salary range

HB 4978 requires Workforce West Virginia to proactively match unemployment claimants with job openings from private employers based on their prior job history and salary range. This affects individuals receiving unemployment benefits in West Virginia, who will now receive tailored job referrals instead of only general job listings. The bill mandates that claimants apply for referred jobs within one week and accept suitable offers, while employers must report rejections or job acceptances to the state. It also ensures claimants accepting part-time work below their benefit rate retain full unemployment payments without reduction. The policy changes eligibility requirements to prioritize job matching as part of active job search efforts.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 29, 2026 Last action Feb 11, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
0
Committee
4
Feb 11, 2026
Committee
To House Government Organization
lower
Jan 30, 2026
Committee
To House Government Adminstration
lower
Jan 29, 2026
Committee
To House Government Organization
lower
Jan 29, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Jan 29, 2026
Committee
To Government Organization
lower
1 primary · 8 co-sponsors

Sponsors