SB 66 West Virginia Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Modifying classes of state of preparedness declared by Governor or Legislature

SB 66 simplifies West Virginia's emergency declaration system by reducing the two existing classes of "state of preparedness" (Class I and Class II) to a single level, similar to the current "state of emergency" framework. This change eliminates distinctions in expiration timelines - previously Class I expired in 30 days (requiring legislative extension) while Class II terminated via proclamation - replacing them with one standardized process. The bill also clarifies that combined durations for a state of preparedness followed by a state of emergency cannot exceed 90 days without proper legislative extension. It directly affects the Governor and Legislature, who declare these states, and ensures consistent procedures for public safety responses during crises. (Amends §15-5-6 of West Virginia Code.)
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Jan 2026
Senate Passage
Jan 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 14, 2026 Last action Jan 27, 2026
Floor votes · Senate Jan 23, 2026

How they voted

310
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 32
Jan 23, 2026
D Democratic2
2 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican30
29 Yea 1
96% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
16
Key actions
2
Committee
4
Jan 27, 2026
Committee
To House Government Organization
lower
Jan 27, 2026
Committee
To Government Organization
lower
Jan 27, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Jan 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate (Roll No. 6)
upper
Jan 20, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported do pass
upper
Jan 14, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Jan 14, 2026
Committee
To Government Organization
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Patricia Rucker
Patricia Rucker
RRepublican
WV
16