This resolution directs West Virginia's Economic Development Authority to identify land near Flatwoods (specifically near Interstate 79 Exit 67) for developing tourism and entertainment facilities, similar to attractions like Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It requires the Authority to secure funding and recruit private/public developers to create these facilities. The resolution aims to boost tourism, economic activity, and job growth in the Flatwoods area by establishing a major entertainment complex accessible to both West Virginia residents and visitors from neighboring states. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new law but instructs state agencies to pursue this development initiative.
HB 4969 increases retirement benefits for eligible retired state employees and teachers by a total of 5% over three years, starting July 1, 2026. It applies to retirees aged 70+ with at least 25 years of service as of July 1, 2023, including those receiving minimum benefits under existing law. The increase is phased: 2.5% on July 1, 2026, 1.5% on July 1, 2027, and 1% on July 1, 2028. The bill amends provisions for both the Public Employees Retirement System and the State Teachers Retirement System. It does not affect current retirees' benefits retroactively but adjusts payments for those already retired as of the effective date.
HB 4853 requires West Virginia hospitals to create protocols for providing trauma-informed care to patients who have experienced miscarriage, abuse, neglect, or other stressful events. Hospitals must implement staff training, compile patient resources (including mental health contacts, grief guidance, crisis hotlines, and support groups), and develop a specific "Butterfly Protocol" for miscarriage cases. This protocol uses a discreet butterfly symbol on patient records to alert staff, who must be trained to recognize it and provide appropriate care. The bill directly affects all West Virginia hospitals by mandating these concrete procedures. It focuses on hospital operational changes rather than altering patient rights or funding.
HB 4924 prohibits municipalities participating in West Virginia's Municipal Home Rule Program from creating local anti-discrimination ordinances that include protected classes beyond those listed in state law. This means cities and towns in the program cannot add categories like sexual orientation or gender identity to their local non-discrimination protections if state law doesn't already cover them. The bill amends §8-1-5a of West Virginia Code to enforce this restriction, directly affecting participating municipalities' ability to expand local civil rights protections. It does not change existing state protections but limits local governments from adding new ones.
HJR 29 proposes a constitutional amendment to clarify the West Virginia Board of Education's duties and authority. It would amend Article XII, Section 2 of the state constitution to state that the Board "shall perform only such duties as may be prescribed by law." The amendment also specifies the Board's composition (nine members appointed by the Governor with Senate approval, with term limits and a five-member political party cap), removal procedures, and requires voter approval at the 2026 general election. This change aims to formally limit the Board's authority to duties explicitly defined by statute.
HB 4934 requires West Virginia's Secretary of State to verify the physical address listed on a voter's registration record. This directly affects voters who provide their address during registration or address changes, as well as election officials responsible for maintaining registration records. The bill mandates that the Secretary of State establish a process to confirm the physical address provided by voters, or allow third parties to handle this verification. It amends existing law to add this verification step to prevent registration at incorrect addresses. The bill does not change penalties for false registration but adds a procedural requirement for address validation.
Senate Bill 260 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement a rule (45 CSR 25) that controls air pollution from hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. This rule, filed in the State Register on July 23, 2025, establishes specific air pollution standards for facilities handling hazardous waste. The bill directly affects hazardous waste facilities in West Virginia by requiring them to comply with these new emission controls. The rule itself, not the bill, defines the exact pollution limits and compliance procedures.
HB 4941 increases pay for special education staff in West Virginia. It requires special education aides (specifically Aide V) to be paid at the same rate as Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teachers, plus an additional 5% raise. Self-contained special education teachers receive a 10% salary increase. The bill also defines a "critical vacancy" as a position needed for student success and safety, mandating that certified staff fill such roles until a permanent hire is made.
HB 4905 removes all fees West Virginia teachers pay to the state for obtaining or renewing teaching licenses, certifications, and registering continuing education credit hours. The bill requires the West Virginia Department of Education to eliminate these fees by January 30, 2027, and to reimburse teachers for tuition and fees related to courses taken for certification renewal or additional endorsements in subject areas with teacher shortages. Reimbursement is capped at 15 semester hours per teacher per year for either purpose. This directly affects West Virginia teachers seeking to maintain or expand their teaching credentials through state-recognized pathways.
HB 4957 would reduce the required number of school days in West Virginia from 180 to 160 per year for public school districts. It directly affects all West Virginia public schools and their districts by changing the mandated instructional calendar. The bill allows districts to maintain equivalent instructional time by lengthening the daily school schedule (e.g., adding 30+ minutes per day) instead of adding days, and permits using up to five days of this extended time for weather-related closures or staff development. This change simplifies calendar management while requiring districts to ensure students still receive the same total instructional hours.
SB 655, the Right to Race Act, grants legal immunity to existing West Virginia racetracks from nuisance lawsuits brought by neighbors who purchased property after the track was built. It protects racetracks from claims related to noise, disturbances, or other issues if the surrounding property was acquired later. The law also prevents local governments from passing ordinances that would restrict racetrack operations conflicting with this immunity. This applies only to racetracks operating before adjacent property ownership changed.
HB 4964 establishes a phased transition to a community-based child welfare system in specific West Virginia regions (Berkeley, Jefferson counties, and Region IV), starting with designated areas. It requires the Bureau for Social Services to retain initial investigation and safety authority but transfer ongoing case management and service coordination to contracted nonprofit community providers after investigations conclude. Providers must meet strict qualifications (nonprofit status, accreditation, financial stability) and operate under case-rate contracts with shared financial risk, where they may keep savings from improved outcomes or cover excess costs. The bill mandates a 24-month evaluation report assessing child safety, costs, and provider performance before considering broader implementation.
