HJR 31 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit consecutive terms for West Virginia state legislators. If approved by voters in 2026, it would restrict senators to two consecutive terms and delegates to four consecutive terms. The limits would apply only to terms beginning after ratification, with prior terms not counting toward the limit. This amendment requires voter approval at the 2026 general election to take effect.
HB 4929, the Truth in Taxation Act, requires West Virginia counties and local taxing subdivisions (like cities or towns) to calculate a "revenue neutral rate" each year. This rate ensures property tax increases match previous year's revenue when adjusted for current property valuations. Local governments cannot exceed this rate without holding a public hearing and sending detailed notices to taxpayers - showing the previous year's tax, proposed rate, and budget impact - 10 days in advance. Noncompliance requires refunds for over-collected taxes. The law excludes school districts and very small taxing subdivisions earning under $5,000 annually in property tax revenue.
SB 656 updates ethics rules for West Virginia's Public Service Commission (PSC). It requires PSC members' financial disclosures to be published online, increasing transparency about their financial interests. The bill clarifies that the PSC must consider the public interest when regulating electric utilities and specifies factors for those decisions. Additionally, it revises ethical standards for PSC membership and subjects commissioners to the code of judicial ethics.
This bill authorizes West Virginia's Division of Water and Waste Management to implement an existing hazardous waste management rule (33 CSR 20), which was filed in the State Register on July 23, 2025. It does not create new policy but formally incorporates the rule into state law. The rule governs the state's hazardous waste management system, affecting businesses and facilities handling hazardous waste. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on legalizing the agency's existing regulatory framework.
HB 4914, the West Virginia Education Freedom and Parental Empowerment Act, creates education savings accounts (ESAs) funded by federal block grants to give parents direct control over K-12 education spending. It requires state funds to be allocated equally per student into parent-controlled accounts, usable for tuition at private/charter schools, tutoring, materials, and other qualified educational expenses. The bill dissolves the State Board of Education’s regulatory powers over K-12 education, limiting it to only transferring federal funds to the State Treasurer, who administers the program and tracks spending. This directly affects all West Virginia K-12 students and their families by shifting educational funding and decision-making from state authorities to parents.
HB 4956 sets fixed start and end dates for West Virginia public school years, requiring the instructional term to begin no earlier than the Tuesday after Labor Day and conclude no later than the Friday before Memorial Day starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates a minimum of 180 separate instructional days per year, allowing counties to use "alternative methods" (like remote learning) for up to five weather-related closures without counting as lost days. It also requires counties to maintain 200 employment days for staff while defining non-instructional days for holidays, elections, and professional development. This law directly affects all West Virginia public school students, teachers, and county school boards by standardizing the academic calendar framework.
HB 4921 prohibits federal agents or employees from enforcing federal firearms laws in West Virginia without specific congressional approval or due process. It makes such attempts a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 fines or one year in jail, enforced by the West Virginia Attorney General. The bill directly affects federal officials attempting to compel state law enforcement to implement federal gun regulations. Its key provision blocks federal "commandeering" of state resources for firearms enforcement, aiming to prevent federal overreach under the guise of existing laws.
HB 4835 requires all traffic-control lights on divided highways in West Virginia to include a three-second pause between when one set of lights turns red and the opposite set turns green. This change directly affects drivers and traffic flow on state highways with divided roadways. The bill amends state law to mandate this specific timing adjustment for all such traffic signals. It does not alter other traffic rules or affect undivided highways. The provision aims to improve safety by adding a brief pause during light transitions.
HB 4979 would restore the right to file civil lawsuits in West Virginia for "alienation of affection" (when a third party causes a spouse to lose affection) and "criminal conversation" (adultery). It requires such lawsuits to be filed within three years of the last relevant act and prohibits claims based on events occurring after a permanent separation of the couple. The bill reverses a 1969 law that had banned these claims, making them available again for new cases. It applies to both individuals and organizations, but not to acts happening after a permanent separation.
HB 4348 prohibits health insurance companies in West Virginia from denying coverage, increasing premiums, or canceling policies for individuals who have donated an organ while alive (living organ donors). The law specifically applies to sickness, disability, and long-term care insurance policies issued or renewed after July 1, 2026. Insurers cannot refuse coverage, limit benefits, or impose higher costs solely because someone is a living organ donor, even if no additional health risks are present. This directly protects living organ donors from insurance discrimination while ensuring they maintain access to these essential coverage types.
HB 4970 requires mandatory random drug testing for all employees of West Virginia county commissions, state government, and K-12 school systems. It mandates that new hires pass a pre-employment drug test and that 10% of all employees (including volunteers like coaches) undergo random annual testing. The policy applies to county employees starting July 1, 2026, and to school employees beginning the 2026-2027 school year. County commissions, the State Board of Education, and state personnel offices must develop implementing rules for legislative approval. This bill directly affects over 100,000 public sector workers across state and local government.
HB 4936 removes the 140-day annual limit on retired teachers working as substitutes without penalty to their retirement benefits. It amends West Virginia law to require that the retirement board’s rule cannot set a cap below 140 days, but explicitly allows retired teachers to work beyond 140 days when teaching vacancies exist and there is a demonstrated need for teachers. The bill also clarifies that days worked are calculated by dividing total hours by the standard full-time daily teaching hours, not by calendar days. This directly affects retired teachers seeking substitute roles and county school boards responsible for tracking their work days under the retirement system.
