SB 25 West Virginia Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Establishing WV Coal Marketing Program

SB 25 creates the West Virginia Coal Marketing Program and a dedicated state fund to support the coal industry. The program, administered by the Governor, uses registration fees from "Friends of Coal" vehicle plates to fund projects that protect coal markets, assist communities impacted by coal market changes, and educate the public about coal's economic role and modern practices. Key provisions include using funds for promotional campaigns highlighting coal's importance to West Virginia's identity, economy, and energy reliability, as well as addressing challenges in coal-dependent communities. Unspent funds carry over annually, and the Governor must report yearly on funded projects to the legislature. This bill directly affects state government operations, coal industry stakeholders, and communities facing economic shifts due to the coal sector.

Issues: ✓ Energy

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 14, 2026 Last action Jan 30, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced Version → Committee Substitute · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to add two new co-sponsors and change the effective date from 90 days after passage to immediate implementation. The scope was significantly expanded by adding a new registration fee for 'Friends of Coal' plates to fund the program and by redefining the program's purpose to include public education and promotion of the coal industry. Funding sources were updated to include this new fee revenue, and the reporting requirements were refined to specify the exact details required in the annual report to the Joint Committee.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a general marketing program to include a specific revenue stream via vehicle registration fees and added educational promotion as a primary goal alongside market expansion.

FISCAL

Added a new fee on 'Friends of Coal' license plates to generate ongoing revenue for the program.

SCOPE

Expanded program purposes to include educating the public about coal's role in the state's identity and economy.

Added new co-sponsors (Senators Phillips and Roberts) to the bill.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date from 90 days after passage to immediate effect.

REQUIREMENT

Updated the annual reporting requirements to the Joint Committee to include specific details like recipient names and fund amounts.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jan 30, 2026

Committee

To Finance

upper

Jan 30, 2026

Committee

Committee substitute reported, but first to Finance

upper

Jan 14, 2026

Introduced

Introduced in Senate

upper

1 primary · 2 co-sponsors