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West Virginia Bills

Track legislation and stay informed about the bills that matter to you.

State Legislature US Congress
All 23,924 Active 17,411 In committee 16,797 Passed 3,564 Signed 2,811 Failed 61

Bill results

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 675: Relating to composition of boards of governors in higher education

SB 675 requires each of West Virginia's 19 public colleges and universities to elect a student representative who serves with voting power on their governing board. It specifies board sizes (12-19 members), mandates that appointed members reflect political party balance (e.g., no more than 5 of 9 from one party), and requires at least 5 of 9 appointed members to be state residents. For West Virginia University specifically, the bill adds requirements for an agriculture representative and a graduate of WVU Institute of Technology. The bill maintains non-voting advisory roles for elected faculty and employee representatives at all institutions.
Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires student voting representation on higher education governing boards, enhancing student voice and participation in institutional governance.92% confidence
Mike Oliverio (R) · 2 co-sponsors
in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 679: Increasing protection for minors when victims of human trafficking

SB 679 prevents minors from being prosecuted for prostitution if a court determines they are victims of human trafficking under West Virginia law. The bill amends existing statutes to explicitly state that no minor shall face criminal charges for prostitution offenses when the court finds they are victims of trafficking. This directly affects minors exploited in commercial sexual activity, ensuring they are treated as victims rather than criminals. The key mechanism requires a court to determine victim status before immunity applies, removing a barrier to support services and legal protection. The bill focuses on clarifying legal protections for vulnerable minors without changing penalties for traffickers.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly prevents prosecution of trafficking victim minors, treating them as victims not criminals, aligning with criminal justice reform and victim protection.95% confidence
Mike Azinger (R) · 1 co-sponsor
in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 30, 2026

HB 5014: Modification to real property tax requirements for farm structures

HB 5014 modifies West Virginia's real property tax rules for farm structures used in agricultural activities. It phases out taxes on eligible structures over three years: 33% reduction in 2026, 67% in 2027, and full exemption by 2028 for structures appraised in 2025. The exemption applies only to farm structures on agricultural land (per §19-19-2b) used for farming operations, excluding commercial solar installations, wood processing facilities, and event venues. This directly affects farm property owners who maintain qualifying structures for agricultural production, storage, or distribution.
Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesPhases out taxes on farm structures over three years, providing direct tax relief for agricultural operations under specific conditions.95% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyExcludes commercial solar installations from tax exemption, directly restricting renewable energy development on farms per bill's explicit exclusion clause.90% confidence
Rick Hillenbrand (R) · 8 co-sponsors
in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 20: Stable Energy Rates Protection Act

This bill prohibits West Virginia's Public Service Commission from approving utility rate increases that include costs for intermittent power sources like solar or wind energy. It specifically blocks the Commission from considering construction, operation, maintenance, or decommissioning costs for facilities relying solely on variable energy sources (defined as those dependent on weather and not fully controllable). Existing contracts signed before the law takes effect are exempt, but new expansions or commitments to such projects cannot be included in rate hikes. The bill also requires the Commission to submit an annual report to the Legislature assessing the law's impact on energy rates, reliability, and affordability.
Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBlocks utility rate increases for solar/wind costs, preventing recovery of renewable energy expenses. Directly restricts new renewable energy development by excluding variable sources from rate considerations.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBlocks utility rate increases for solar/wind energy costs, directly restricting renewable energy investment and undermining environmental progress toward clean energy adoption.95% confidence
Chris Rose (R) · 6 co-sponsors
in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 30, 2026

HB 4430: Eliminating the authority of the West Virginia Parkways Authority to issue further parkway revenue, parkway revenue refunding, or special obligation bonds after July 1, 2025

HB 4430 would eliminate the West Virginia Parkways Authority's power to issue new parkway revenue bonds, parkway revenue refunding bonds, or special obligation bonds after July 1, 2026. This means the Authority cannot raise additional funds for future parkway projects through these bonds after that date. The bill does not affect existing bonds or projects already funded prior to July 1, 2026. It amends specific sections of West Virginia law to set this expiration date for new bond issuances.
Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesRestricts future bond issuance authority for parkway projects, limiting government borrowing and fiscal flexibility for transportation spending.85% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationBill halts future bond issuance for parkway projects, preventing new transportation infrastructure funding after 2026 while not affecting existing projects.90% confidence
Marty Gearheart (R) · 4 co-sponsors
in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 674: Relating to dog racing requirements

This bill amends West Virginia's dog racing licensing rules. It removes requirements that racetrack applicants must host a minimum number of live racing dates to obtain or maintain a license or to secure telecast wagering contracts. The bill also allows racetracks to operate simulcast racing (live races shown via video) without conducting any live dog racing, and simplifies licensing for video lottery operations at these venues. These changes directly affect dog racetracks seeking licenses or renewing operations, particularly those transitioning away from live racing.
Chris Rose (R) · 5 co-sponsors
in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 30, 2026

HB 4987: Relating to the creation of the Safety and Violence Education for Students Act

HB 4987 requires all West Virginia public schools serving students in grades K-12 to provide annual evidence-based social inclusion training (at least one hour per year), and schools serving grades 6-12 must also provide annual youth violence prevention training (at least one hour per year). The West Virginia Department of Education must develop and maintain publicly available lists of proven effective programs for both trainings, including no-cost options, with updates every 36 months. Schools may optionally form student-led violence prevention clubs focused on awareness and leadership, though public charter and nonpublic schools can opt out of the training requirements. The bill encourages seeking state or federal funding to cover implementation costs but does not mandate new state spending.
Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates annual social inclusion and violence prevention training for K-12 schools, enhancing student program requirements per bill's explicit language.95% confidence
Lori Dittman (R) · 10 co-sponsors
in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 627: Relating to Build WV Act

SB 627 amends West Virginia's Build WV Act to reform tax credit eligibility for residential housing projects. It replaces project cost calculations with a new cap on tax credit liability for new approvals, specifically allowing smaller projects in designated rural areas to qualify. The bill requires annual adjustments to the program based on demand and establishes a dedicated Build WV Credit Reserve Fund to manage these changes. This directly affects developers seeking tax credits for new residential construction or rehabilitation of unoccupied housing, clarifying which project expenses (like construction, utilities, and materials) qualify while excluding costs covered by other incentives.
Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesReforms tax credit eligibility to expand rural housing access, providing tax relief through structured incentives and a dedicated fund for fiscal management.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands tax credit eligibility for rural housing projects, creates dedicated fund for development, and adjusts annually to increase affordable housing access per bill's focus on residential tax incentives.92% confidence
Vince Deeds (R) · 1 co-sponsor
in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 30, 2026

HB 4285: Relating to authorizing the Contractor Licensing Board to promulgate a legislative rule relating to West Virginia Contractor Licensing Act.

HB 4285 authorizes the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board to formally adopt and implement a specific regulatory rule (28 CSR 02) related to the state's Contractor Licensing Act. This procedural bill does not change licensing requirements but grants official approval for a rule the Board had already proposed and filed in the State Register on July 25, 2025. It directly affects licensed contractors and the Board's administrative process for enforcing licensing standards. The bill simply authorizes the Board to move forward with the rule they had previously submitted.
Doug Smith (R)
in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 30, 2026

HB 4295: Relating to authorizing the Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board of Examiners to promulgate a legislative rule relating to continuing education.

HB 4295 authorizes the Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board of Examiners to create and enforce rules about continuing education requirements for medical imaging and radiation therapy technologists in West Virginia. The bill formally approves an existing rule (18 CSR 02) that the Board filed in the State Register on June 3, 2025, making it official under state law. This rule would govern the continuing education hours or content these healthcare professionals must complete to maintain their licenses. The change directly affects licensed technologists in these fields by setting standardized education requirements for license renewal.
Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes continuing education rules for medical imaging/radiation techs, ensuring professional competency and patient safety in healthcare services.90% confidence
Doug Smith (R)
in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 695: Department of Commerce rule relating to certification of microgrid district or certification as high impact data center

SB 695 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Commerce to implement a specific rule (145 CSR 20) that sets requirements for certifying microgrid districts and high impact data centers. The rule, which was modified to address legislative feedback and refilled in the state register on January 29, 2026, outlines the process for these certifications. This bill makes the rule legally effective, directly affecting businesses and organizations in West Virginia seeking these certifications.
Patricia Rucker (R)
in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 30, 2026

HB 4288: Relating to authorizing the Board of Examiners in Counseling to promulgate a legislative rule relating to marriage and family therapist licensing.

HB 4288 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Examiners in Counseling to implement a specific licensing rule for marriage and family therapists. The bill formally approves the "27 CSR 08" rule (previously modified after committee feedback) that outlines licensing requirements for these professionals. This rule directly affects individuals seeking or renewing their marriage and family therapist licenses in West Virginia. The bill itself does not change the licensing standards but provides official authorization for the Board's proposed rule to take effect.
Doug Smith (R)
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