SB 389 creates a 25% state income tax credit for property owners who rehabilitate certified historic buildings in West Virginia. The credit applies to both residential and non-residential buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places or located in designated historic districts, as certified by the West Virginia Department of Tourism and the National Park Service. To qualify, rehabilitation work must meet "Secretary of the Interior's Standards" and cost at least 20% of the property's assessed value. Property owners can claim this credit against income taxes imposed under specific sections of the state tax code.
HB 4588 requires West Virginia's State Treasurer to participate in a federal tax credit program that allows individuals to receive tax credits for contributions to scholarship organizations. The bill mandates the Treasurer to annually identify and publish a list of qualified nonprofit scholarship organizations and eligible schools meeting federal and state requirements. Eligible schools must comply with West Virginia education laws, and students must be eligible for public school enrollment under federal criteria. Scholarship funds can cover elementary and secondary education expenses as defined by federal law, with the Treasurer accepting applications year-round for organization inclusion.
SJR 9 proposes amending West Virginia's constitution to require all voters to be U.S. citizens. It would change the voting eligibility rule to state: "Only citizens of the state who are citizens of the United States shall be entitled to vote at all elections." This would affect all voters in West Virginia elections by eliminating current exceptions allowing non-citizen residents to vote in certain local elections. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.
HB 4793 would lower the minimum age for barber and cosmetology apprentices in West Virginia from 16 to 14 years old. Apprentices must work under direct supervision of a licensed professional and meet requirements like being enrolled in school or having a high school credential. Sponsors (licensed professionals who supervise apprentices) must have at least five years of experience in a shop. This change adjusts the existing apprenticeship program to permit younger participants while maintaining oversight and safety standards.
The West Virginia Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Growth Act creates a new program within the West Virginia Department of Commerce to support aerospace and advanced manufacturing businesses. The program will identify qualifying projects (including manufacturing, maintenance, and research of aircraft components), assign a dedicated liaison to assist with development and access to existing state tax incentives, and maintain confidential records of these projects. It also establishes a workforce training program to develop skilled workers for the aerospace industry. This bill directly affects aerospace companies and projects operating in West Virginia, such as those involved in aircraft assembly, engine production, and component manufacturing.
HB 4012 reduces regulatory requirements for utility companies building or maintaining electric power generation and transmission facilities in West Virginia. The bill waives the need for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for projects approved by the Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council, streamlining approvals for these projects. It also shortens the Public Service Commission’s decision timeline, reducing the maximum processing time for large projects (over $50 million) from 400 days to 270 days. This directly affects utility companies seeking to develop or upgrade electric infrastructure within the state.
This resolution designates October 10 as "Blue Light Awareness Day" to highlight concerns about blue light exposure. It encourages state officials to promote measures reducing nighttime blue light from sources like digital screens and streetlights, citing potential health impacts such as visual discomfort and disrupted circadian rhythms. The resolution directs the House Clerk to forward it to the Department of Health but does not create new regulations or directly affect specific groups. It is a symbolic awareness measure, not a binding law.
HB 4010 establishes a state loan program to provide financial assistance for constructing airplane hangars at local airports in West Virginia. It directly affects counties, municipalities, and regional airport authorities that own or operate airports, allowing them to access state loans for hangar planning, construction, or improvements. The bill creates a pilot project with specific eligibility standards (considering site readiness, economic impact, and market demand) and requires the transportation division to set loan terms, limit participating airports based on funding, and report annually to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance. This program aims to support airport infrastructure development to enhance economic opportunities in local communities.
HB 4573 requires West Virginia high schools to provide foster youth (current or former foster care) with information about post-secondary education, job training, housing, healthcare, and independent-living support before graduation. The bill mandates school counselors and graduation coaches receive training on these resources and directs the state Department of Education to create and maintain a Foster Youth Resource Guide. County school districts must ensure eligible students receive this pre-graduation information. The law aims to improve transition planning for foster youth entering adulthood, without requiring disclosure of a student’s foster care status.
This bill requires movie theaters with eight or more screens across multiple locations in West Virginia to provide open captioning for at least two weekly showings of any film that includes captioning in its production. It also mandates that theaters offer audio description upon request for films that feature this feature. Exceptions include drive-in theaters, smaller theaters (under eight screens), venues without digital projection systems, films shown fewer than eight times weekly, and films shown more than 20 days after their premiere. The bill explicitly states exhibitors cannot be forced to buy new equipment to comply if it would create financial hardship or alter their theater operations.
SB 691 amends West Virginia law to regulate how public utilities (like electric, gas, and telecom companies) must relocate their lines on state highway rights-of-way during road construction projects. It requires the Division of Highways to provide utilities with written notice (up to 18 months in advance) to remove or adjust lines, and mandates specific procedures for utilities to submit plans and work schedules. The bill also establishes a reimbursement process: if a utility lacks staff or resources to relocate lines itself, the Division of Highways may cover relocation costs using state road funds, with the utility repaying the state within two years. This directly affects utility companies and highway project timelines, ensuring clearer coordination and cost-sharing during infrastructure work.
This bill reduces the severance tax rate on metallurgical coal produced in West Virginia, affecting coal mining companies that extract this type of coal. The new rates will take effect in stages starting July 1, 2026, lowering the tax from 5% to 4.5% for the first year, then to 4% the following year, and finally to 3.5% beginning July 1, 2028. Metallurgical coal is defined as coal used for making steel and other metals, distinct from thermal coal used for electricity generation. The tax reduction applies to the gross value of coal produced and includes additional local taxes that are normally part of the total severance tax.
