HB 5324 changes the time limit for filing lawsuits related to asbestos or silica exposure in West Virginia. It sets the start date for lawsuits as the earlier of: when a person receives a medical diagnosis, discovers the exposure, or dies (if exposed). The bill also separates non-cancer cases (like lung disease) from cancer cases and prohibits claims for fear of future illness. Additionally, it limits lawsuits against coal mining equipment manufacturers to within 10 or 12 years from the equipment's first sale, depending on circumstances.
SB 834 prohibits the refund of filing fees paid by candidates for all public offices in West Virginia, including state, federal, and local positions. This change applies to all candidates who pay fees under §3-5-8 of the West Virginia Code - such as those running for governor, state legislature, county offices, or judicial seats - regardless of whether they withdraw from a race or fail to appear on the ballot. The bill amends existing law to make filing fees non-refundable in all circumstances, removing any prior option for refunds. It directly affects every candidate who submits a certificate of announcement for election. The policy change is purely procedural, with no additional requirements or mechanisms beyond eliminating refund eligibility.
HB 5346 establishes the School Aid Formula Study Commission to evaluate West Virginia's public school funding system and propose recommendations for improvement. The commission, composed of 12 members including school board representatives, education experts, teachers, rural/urban school board members, and community stakeholders, will study funding options and report findings to the Legislature by July 2028. Its work aims to address challenges like declining enrollment, school closures, and reduced funding that have strained public education. The commission's recommendations will guide potential legislative changes to modernize school funding and ensure stable, adequate resources for all public schools.
SB 876 allocates supplemental funds from West Virginia's unappropriated surplus to three state hospitals: $1 million for Welch Community Hospital, $3.4 million for William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital, and $4.3 million for Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital. The funds are designated specifically for capital improvements, repairs, and equipment at these facilities during the 2026 fiscal year. This appropriation directly affects the operational capacity of these three hospitals by providing resources for infrastructure maintenance. As a procedural supplemental bill, it reallocates existing surplus funds without creating new policy or affecting broader populations.
HB 5370, "Caitlyn's Law," would require a mandatory 24-hour hospital hold for individuals suspected of having a substance use disorder (as defined by the DSM) who are deemed at risk of causing serious harm to themselves or others due to their addiction. This applies when someone lacks judgment about needing treatment due to substance impairment, but excludes cases based solely on dementia, epilepsy, or intellectual disabilities. The bill mandates evaluation by a mental hygiene commissioner or licensed professional within that 24-hour period to determine if further involuntary treatment is needed. It directly affects individuals in West Virginia with suspected substance use disorders who meet specific risk criteria. The bill is currently in committee referral following its introduction on February 9, 2026.
HB 5359 creates a new tax method for high voltage electric transmission line property in West Virginia, directing property tax revenue from newly constructed transmission projects into the existing Electric Grid Stabilization and Security Fund. This fund will use the collected revenue to support grid stabilization, security, and efficiency upgrades for regulated utilities, including maintenance of coal and natural gas generation facilities serving West Virginia ratepayers. The bill specifies that these funds must be used to lower electricity rates for West Virginia consumers, directly benefiting all ratepayers by reducing costs through improved grid infrastructure. Key provisions include defining "high voltage transmission line property," requiring tax returns to the Board of Public Works, and ensuring unspent fund balances carry forward annually. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee for review.
SB 858 requires the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WVDHSEM) to conduct state and national criminal history background checks on two groups: individuals applying to become Statewide Interoperable Radio Network (SIRN) radio programmers and those seeking approval to work in SIRN network facilities. The checks involve fingerprinting submitted to the West Virginia State Police for FBI processing, with applicants responsible for all associated costs. Strict confidentiality rules apply, prohibiting disclosure of results to private entities except to the applicant, with their written consent, or under court order, and the records are explicitly excluded from public disclosure. This bill clarifies and formalizes existing requirements for personnel security access to critical emergency communications infrastructure used by first responders.
This bill protects West Virginia public school employees from job penalties for expressing personal opinions online or in public. It prohibits school districts and supervisors from taking disciplinary action, such as termination or demotion, based on social media posts or public comments. The law specifically states that slander or libel claims cannot be used as a basis for employment consequences. The bill aims to prevent retaliation against educators for their free speech outside of work duties.
SB 883 clarifies that West Virginia courts must use a "preponderance of the evidence" standard (meaning it is more likely than not true) for final hearings that could revoke probation or parole. It directly affects individuals on probation or parole who face revocation hearings for violating conditions. The bill specifies that for serious violations like absconding, new crimes, or violating protective conditions, courts may revoke probation and impose sentence, while minor violations may result in short confinement (up to 60 or 120 days) for first or second offenses. This change formally codifies the existing standard for these hearings without altering penalties or procedures.
SB 892 would allow medical cannabis to be dispensed in edible forms (like gummies or lozenges) in West Virginia, expanding current options for patients. It directly affects patients, caregivers, and dispensaries by adding edibles to permitted forms, while requiring strict safety rules: edibles must be specific shapes (e.g., square, circle), limited to 10mg THC per serving with a 15% variance, and produced only as lozenges or gelatins. Processors must get bureau approval for each edible product, including submitting packaging images with a universal symbol. The bill also bans color additives in edibles and mandates new reporting to the state’s cannabis monitoring database. This would be the first time edibles are permitted under West Virginia’s medical cannabis program.
HB 5369, the West Virginia Rural School Protection Act, aims to prevent the closure or consolidation of qualifying rural schools by establishing strict requirements. It defines "protected rural schools" as those in low-population counties, where students would exceed one-way transportation limits (under §18-5H-7), or are the sole school in their area. The bill mandates detailed public impact statements (including transportation times, enrollment trends, and rejected alternatives), a two-thirds vote by county school boards, and voter approval via referendum before any closure or consolidation can proceed. These measures ensure decisions consider student transportation burdens, community impact, and reasonable alternatives before closing a rural school.
HB 5361 would prevent state and local law enforcement officers in West Virginia from conducting immigration-related arrests, detentions, or surveillance in sensitive locations like schools, places of worship, hospitals, courthouses, and facilities serving vulnerable populations (e.g., victims of abuse or individuals with disabilities). The bill defines these "sensitive locations" and prohibits immigration enforcement actions there, except when a court orders entry or an imminent public safety threat requires intervention. This directly affects how state/local officers interact with immigration enforcement in these settings. The law does not restrict federal immigration enforcement actions but limits state/local cooperation in protected locations.
