SB 683 removes a requirement that private, parochial, and church schools in West Virginia must be formally recognized by the West Virginia Department of Education under Policy 2330 to qualify for an exemption from child care licensing rules. The bill directly affects these schools by allowing them to automatically qualify for the exemption without needing separate recognition from the Department of Education. This change modifies Section 49-2-113 of West Virginia law, specifically removing the reference to Policy 2330 recognition in the exemption clause for school education programs operated by such institutions. The policy change simplifies regulatory compliance for these schools by eliminating an administrative step.
SB 746 would establish two new wildlife viewing stamps: a resident stamp for West Virginia residents and a nonresident stamp for out-of-state visitors. These stamps, purchased in addition to a standard hunting or fishing license, allow holders to view wildlife on state-owned lands and roads (including fire roads and gated roads) in a regular vehicle, excluding UTVs and ATVs. The fee for each stamp would be set by the Department of Natural Resources and require legislative approval, with revenue funding wildlife programs. The program would not apply to Coopers Rock or Kanawha State Forests.
HJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older in West Virginia. It would allow possession of up to two ounces of cannabis or four plants per person, permit the legislature to regulate sales and manufacturing, and require courts to dismiss or expunge prior convictions for small-quantity possession. This amendment requires voter approval at the 2026 general election to take effect. If approved, it would directly affect adults 21+ and individuals with past cannabis possession convictions. The bill does not establish specific regulations but authorizes the legislature to create them.
SB 748 requires West Virginia public schools to notify a minor's parent or guardian before dispensing any FDA-approved contraceptive (such as birth control pills or devices) to a minor. This bill directly affects public school health services and minors aged 18 or younger who receive contraceptives at school. The key provision mandates written parental notification prior to dispensing, with "contraceptive" defined as any drug or device approved by the FDA to prevent pregnancy. The bill does not alter access to contraceptives but adds a parental notification step for school-based dispensing. (Introduced February 5, 2026; referred to Health and Human Resources Committee).
SJR 17 proposes a constitutional amendment that would permit the West Virginia legislature to pass a law exempting owner-occupied homes from property tax. This exemption would apply to homes used as a primary residence by the owner (or one owner) who is a West Virginia citizen, but only for one home per household. If approved by voters in 2026, the legislature could implement this exemption through specific rules, while requiring these homes to continue undergoing regular property appraisals under current law. The amendment does not automatically eliminate property taxes but enables future legislative action to do so under defined conditions.
HB 5272 allocates $250 million from West Virginia's Revenue Shortfall Fund ($100 million) and Income Tax Reserve Fund ($150 million) to establish a Flood Resiliency Trust Fund for proactive flood prevention. The fund will directly support communities vulnerable to flooding by financing infrastructure and initiatives to reduce future flood impacts. Key provisions require annual expenditure reports from the State Resiliency Officer, approval by the State Resiliency Office Board, and a 6% dedication of federal disaster recovery funds toward flood resiliency planning. This one-time funding jumpstarts the State Resiliency and Flood Protection Act without requiring ongoing annual appropriations.
House Resolution 12 declares January 27, 2026, as Sexual Violence Awareness Day in West Virginia. The resolution recognizes West Virginia's high rates of sexual coercion victimization (ranking 5th nationally for women) and the significant impact of sexual violence on the state. It symbolically supports local victim services agencies and advocates working to address sexual violence, without creating new laws or funding. This is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy change.
HB 5271 would require county boards of education in West Virginia to provide full-time employees with three months of paid leave following the birth of a child, or the placement of a child through adoption or foster care. This leave would be in addition to any other leave benefits employees currently receive. The bill amends existing law to explicitly guarantee this paid leave for all full-time employees (both male and female) working for county school districts. It does not change existing personal leave policies but adds this specific benefit for parental and adoption/foster care situations.
This Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 19) proposes a constitutional amendment requiring that only individuals born in West Virginia may be elected governor. It would amend Article VII, Section 1 of the West Virginia Constitution to state: "No person may be elected as or serve as governor, unless that person was born in West Virginia." If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, this requirement would apply to all future gubernatorial candidates. The resolution is currently in committee review and has not yet become law.
This Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 18) proposes a constitutional amendment to eliminate property taxes on the primary residence of West Virginia residents aged 65 or older who are state citizens. The amendment would exempt real property (including mobile homes) used as a primary residence from ad valorem taxation, but only one home per household (owner and spouse) could qualify for the exemption. Existing property appraisal and reappraisal procedures would continue under current law for all properties, including those covered by the exemption. The amendment requires legislative approval and voter ratification in the 2026 general election to take effect.
HB 5266 requires West Virginia Medicaid managed care organizations to contract with any qualified hospital, doctor, behavioral health provider, or other provider who meets all licensing, Medicaid enrollment, and credentialing requirements. It mandates that these providers must be offered the same reimbursement rates and contract terms as comparable providers already in the network. The bill applies directly to Medicaid managed care organizations and providers seeking to join their networks, ensuring they cannot exclude qualified providers based on arbitrary criteria. This would create a more open system for providers to participate in West Virginia's Medicaid program.
SB 754 creates a special fund called the "Foster Care Facilities Improvement Fund" to support West Virginia nonprofit organizations operating foster care facilities. The fund, financed through state appropriations, donations, and investment income, prioritizes grants for renovating, constructing, or maintaining residential childcare facilities - especially those providing psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and trauma services. An Advisory Committee (appointed by the Department of Human Services) recommends quarterly disbursements based on identified needs, with priority given to local nonprofits improving facility access and quality. The bill ensures unspent balances roll over annually and reinvests savings from reduced out-of-state placements to expand high-quality care within the state.
