HB 4830 establishes the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Victim's Fund to compensate individuals harmed by actions or inactions of the Supreme Court's Judicial Investigative Committee or related divisions. The fund, administered by the Legislative Claims Commission, allows affected residents to apply for financial relief by detailing their harm, with decisions made by the fund's supervisor (subject to appeal). Claims can be filed retroactively for up to 10 years from July 1, 2026, covering cases where West Virginia residents suffered negative impacts due to court committee actions. This bill creates a formal process for compensation but does not specify eligibility criteria or funding sources beyond the fund's establishment.
HB 4805 requires first responders (such as police or emergency medical personnel) at motor vehicle crashes involving hazardous materials to notify a public safety answering point to request a West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)-approved cleanup company. The bill mandates that the DEP ensure hazardous materials are contained, cleaned up, and reclaimed promptly and effectively after such incidents. This law directly affects first responders, DEP-approved cleanup companies, and communities near crash sites where environmental hazards occur. It establishes a standardized process for environmental cleanup following vehicle accidents without imposing new fees or altering existing liability rules.
HB 4821 creates a new state-run health insurance program in West Virginia that allows eligible residents to "buy in" to a Medicaid-like plan. It directly affects adults who are ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare but remain enrolled in employer-sponsored coverage (and whose employers haven’t denied them coverage due to this program). The plan uses a sliding-scale premium based on income, covers essential services like hospital care, mental health, prescriptions, and preventive care, and must coordinate with existing Medicaid to avoid coverage gaps. The West Virginia Department of Human Services will administer the program, prioritizing those transitioning from Medicaid, and must apply for federal funding to maximize cost efficiency.
HB 4820 amends West Virginia law to clarify that people who voluntarily provide emergency care or assistance at accident, emergency, disaster, or non-emergent situations - without payment - cannot be held liable for civil damages resulting from their actions. This protection applies to all individuals, including trained professionals, who act in good faith at the scene. The bill defines "emergency" as situations requiring immediate medical treatment due to natural causes, accidents, or crime, and references existing definitions for "disaster." It directly affects anyone offering unsolicited aid in crisis situations by shielding them from civil lawsuits related to their voluntary assistance.
HB 4818 allows public charter schools in West Virginia to lease or purchase unused or underutilized public school buildings owned by county districts. It requires county superintendents to annually report all such properties - including those with enrollment below 70% capacity - to the state education department, which will maintain a public list. Charter schools may request these properties at market rate, with counties obligated to offer them before considering other uses. The bill also gives school boards a right of first refusal if a charter school later seeks to buy a property they leased.
HB 4809 creates a nonrefundable tax credit for family caregivers in West Virginia, allowing them to claim 50% of eligible out-of-pocket expenses related to caring for an eligible family member, up to a $2,000 annual maximum. It directly affects unpaid caregivers (such as adult children or spouses) providing care to relatives aged 18+ who need assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or mobility. Eligible expenses include home modifications, medical equipment, hiring care aides, respite care, and transportation - not general home repairs or reimbursed costs. The credit applies to taxable years beginning after January 1, 2028, and requires certification from a licensed health care provider for the care recipient’s needs.
HB 4825 authorizes West Virginia municipalities to place signage on state roads located within their municipal boundaries. The bill specifically permits signs such as speed warnings or radar-based speed displays that inform drivers of their current speed. This applies only to state roads situated inside a municipality's jurisdiction, not to all state highways. The legislation directly affects local governments by giving them new authority to install traffic safety signage on roads they oversee within city limits.
HB 4807 restructures West Virginia's mental health commitment system by creating mental hygiene regions under the Supreme Court of Appeals, replacing the previous commissioner structure. It requires all mental health evaluations and hearings for involuntary commitment to be conducted via video technology (with facilities providing required equipment), mandates 24/7 examiner coverage in each region including weekends, and limits civil commitments to 120 days without a hearing. The bill also establishes a temporary observation release option, grants civil immunity to providers in involuntary proceedings (with exceptions), and requires hearings for commitments exceeding 90 days. This directly affects mental health patients undergoing involuntary commitment, providers conducting evaluations, and courts managing these proceedings.
HB 4816 eliminates municipal fire protection fees for residents and businesses located outside a city's boundaries when a county already charges a fire service fee. It requires cities and counties to enter into agreements ensuring people in shared "first due areas" pay only one fee (either municipal or county), with fees set equally for all within the agreed area. The bill prevents double-charging by mandating that cities cannot impose their fees if a county fee exists, except for a one-year transition period where fees are reconciled. After the first year, residents in shared areas pay the same fee as those within city limits. This primarily affects homeowners, businesses, and local governments in counties with county-level fire fees.
HB 4812, the West Virginia Anti-Federal Commandeering Act, prohibits federal authorities from compelling state or local law enforcement agencies to conduct activities that violate constitutional rights. It defines "commandeering" as federal control of state resources without explicit state authorization and requires such authorization for any federal request. The bill empowers the West Virginia Attorney General to challenge federal actions deemed unconstitutional and to publish model policies for law enforcement. It directly affects all West Virginia law enforcement entities, including local police departments and state agencies, by preventing federal coercion of their personnel or resources. The law aims to protect constitutional rights while allowing cooperation on lawful federal-state law enforcement efforts.
HB 4836 prohibits people from bringing dogs, cats, or other non-service animals into grocery stores or food retail establishments in West Virginia. The bill only allows entry with registered service animals, banning all other pets. Violators face a $500 fine for a first offense, increasing to $1,000 for repeat violations. This directly affects store patrons who bring non-service pets into food-selling locations.
HB 4833 removes a 30% cap on municipal stabilization funds in West Virginia, allowing cities and towns to set higher funding levels without restriction. Currently, a municipality's stabilization fund cannot exceed 30% of its general fund budget; this bill eliminates that maximum limit. The change would directly affect all West Virginia municipalities by giving them greater flexibility to build financial reserves from surplus funds.
