Budget & Taxes

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 167: Relating to meetings for local levying bodies

This bill clarifies procedures for local government bodies in West Virginia to conduct late meetings and file late reports when necessary. It also revises how reduced property tax levy rates are calculated when property appraisals result in a projected tax increase of one percent or more. The law requires these bodies to automatically reduce their levy rates proportionately to offset assessment increases, unless they hold a public hearing and demonstrate that the increase is necessary. Under the new rules, local governments can raise rates above the reduced level only if total tax revenues do not exceed the previous year's amount by more than ten percent, with specific notice requirements for public hearings. The bill directly affects county commissions and municipalities by standardizing how they handle property tax adjustments and public notification processes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes fiscal responsibility by requiring automatic tax levy reductions when property assessments increase, preventing unnecessary tax hikes on residents.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 400: Updating personal income tax definitions and provision of law relating to gaming and gambling losses

This bill updates West Virginia's personal income tax definitions to align with recent federal tax changes. It specifically preserves the ability for taxpayers to deduct gaming and gambling losses on their state returns for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, ensuring this deduction remains available even if federal rules change. The bill adjusts how "federal adjusted gross income" is defined for state tax purposes and sets retroactive effective dates for 2025 tax years. It directly affects West Virginia taxpayers who itemize deductions and claim gambling losses.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesPreserves tax deduction for gaming losses, maintaining existing tax relief for taxpayers and aligning with federal changes without reducing benefits.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 788: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Commerce, fund 0572

SB 788 adds $2 million in additional funding from unappropriated surplus funds in the General Revenue Fund to WorkForce West Virginia (fund 0572, fiscal year 2026). This supplemental appropriation directly supports WorkForce West Virginia's current operational expenses, using existing unused state funds identified in the Governor's 2026 budget. The bill does not create new programs or alter eligibility but allocates money already available in the state treasury. It is a procedural funding adjustment, not a policy change.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $2M from unappropriated surplus funds to fund existing WorkForce West Virginia operations, using unused state treasury money without new taxes or program changes. Aligns with fiscal responsibility and funding public services.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds WorkForce WV operational expenses, supporting employment services using existing surplus funds without policy changes.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 791: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Homeland Security, fund 0443

SB 791 increases the existing fiscal year 2026 appropriation for the West Virginia Division of Emergency Management (fund 0443) by $13,000, raising the total to $243,000. This supplemental funding directly affects the Division of Emergency Management's operational budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill uses an unappropriated balance remaining in the State Fund, General Revenue, as identified in the Governor's budget document. It does not create new policies or programs but adjusts an existing funding allocation for emergency management operations. The change is limited to the Division of Emergency Management's current expenses account.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases operational budget for Emergency Management via supplemental appropriation, supporting essential program funding within state budget framework85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 570: Supplemental Appropriation to Department of Health, fund 8802

This bill (SB 570) allocates $199,476,099 in unspent federal funds to the West Virginia Department of Health's "Rural Health Transformation Program" for fiscal year 2026. It adds a new funding line (Fund 8802, Org 0506) under the Department's Central Office to support this specific program. The funds are designated for rural health initiatives and directly affect the Department of Health's ability to implement these programs. This is a procedural funding measure, not a policy change, using existing federal funds without new tax implications.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $199M in federal funds to rural health program, directly increasing budget allocation for essential public health services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $199M to Rural Health Transformation Program, directly funding healthcare services per bill summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

passed both · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 14, 2026

HB 5412: Future Ready Education Act

The Future Ready Education Act allows West Virginia school districts to enter multi-year contracts for educational technology with a technology licensing component, provided they document fiscal savings and include a 30-day cancellation clause. It extends the Mountain State Digital Project to cover grades 9-12 and adds tutoring in reading, math, science, and career-technical education. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, all kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers must complete training in the science of reading, with public charter school educators permitted to voluntarily participate. The bill directly affects school districts, K-5 teachers, and students in public schools across West Virginia.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRequires fiscal savings documentation for tech contracts, promoting responsible budget management within education funding allocation85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExtends digital project to grades 9-12, adds subject tutoring, mandates teacher training - directly enhances educational access, student programs, and educator support.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEnables school tech contracts, extends digital project to grades 9-12, and mandates tech-related teacher training, advancing educational technology access and integration.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

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failed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 14, 2026

SB 389: Historic Rehab Building Credit Act

SB 389 creates a 25% state income tax credit for property owners who rehabilitate certified historic buildings in West Virginia. The credit applies to both residential and non-residential buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places or located in designated historic districts, as certified by the West Virginia Department of Tourism and the National Park Service. To qualify, rehabilitation work must meet "Secretary of the Interior's Standards" and cost at least 20% of the property's assessed value. Property owners can claim this credit against income taxes imposed under specific sections of the state tax code.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides 25% state income tax credit for historic building rehab, reducing tax burden for property owners. Direct tax relief aligns with fiscal responsibility indicators.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides 25% tax credit for rehabilitating historic residential buildings, incentivizing preservation and development of housing stock under economic development framework.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

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passed both · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 13, 2026

HJR 42: Homestead exemption

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead property tax exemption in West Virginia from $20,000 to $50,000. It directly affects homeowners and mobile home owners who are at least 65 years old or permanently disabled, as well as younger homeowners who would receive a phased-in exemption starting at a lower value. The amendment would allow the state legislature to set specific rules for how the exemption applies, including a five-year phase-in period for properties appraised before the law takes effect. Additionally, the bill grants the legislature authority to provide property tax relief to tenants of residential or farm property. The measure requires approval by voters at the 2026 general election to become part of the state constitution.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases homestead property tax exemption, providing tax relief to homeowners and reducing state tax revenue burden on eligible residents.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill increases homestead property tax exemption for seniors and disabled homeowners, reducing housing costs and supporting affordable housing access for vulnerable populations.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

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passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 4, 2026

HB 4981: Relating to state psychiatric hospital designations

HB 4981 designates psychiatric hospitals treating exclusively civil and forensic patients (over 95% court-ordered civil/forensic cases from state custody) as "state-designated facilities" for Medicaid funding purposes. This change allows these specific hospitals to qualify for Medicaid reimbursement under federal rules, rather than being excluded as "state-designated" under current tax code. The bill amends tax provisions to ensure revenue collected from eligible hospitals (via a 0.75% tax on gross receipts) flows directly into a Medicaid funding account. It directly affects licensed psychiatric hospitals meeting the strict patient-mix criteria, enabling them to access Medicaid program funds they previously could not.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAmends tax provisions to enable Medicaid reimbursement for psychiatric hospitals, aligning state fiscal management with federal requirements and ensuring funding access for essential services.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDesignates psychiatric hospitals for Medicaid funding, expanding mental health care access and reimbursement eligibility under federal rules.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

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passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 24, 2026

HB 4500: Permitting the Berkeley County Commission to levy a special district excise tax for the benefit of the Berkeley County Economic Opportunity Development District under certain conditions.

HB 4500 authorizes Berkeley County Commission to levy a special excise tax on sales of tangible personal property and services within the Berkeley County Economic Opportunity Development District. This tax would fund economic development initiatives in the designated district, directly affecting businesses operating within its boundaries and residents who purchase taxable goods or services there. The bill specifies that the district will remain active until 2054, unless terminated earlier under existing law, and aligns with similar provisions for other counties’ economic districts. The tax is limited to sales within the district’s defined boundaries and must be approved through required legislative processes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes new excise tax to fund economic development initiatives, directly increasing tax revenue for targeted fiscal purposes within a designated district.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

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