HB 5206 West Virginia House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

To make certain acts of panhandling and solicitation unlawful

HB 5206 makes certain panhandling and solicitation practices unlawful in West Virginia, directly affecting individuals requesting money, goods, or services in public spaces. The bill prohibits panhandling in specific locations (like bus stops, near ATMs, schools, and within 100-200 feet of highways) and during restricted hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.), while requiring licensed panhandlers to carry ID and permits. Exemptions apply to fire departments, school groups, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits soliciting for their operations. Violations carry misdemeanor fines starting at $100 for a first offense, increasing to $1,000 for repeat offenses, with permit revocation after three violations.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 5, 2026 Last action Feb 18, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
0
Committee
4
Feb 18, 2026
Committee
To House Homeland Security
lower
Feb 17, 2026
Committee
To House Homeland Security
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
To House Judiciary
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
To Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 5 co-sponsors

Sponsors