HJR 11 proposes amending West Virginia's state constitution to increase the homestead exemption from $10,000 to $20,000. This change would directly affect homeowners aged 65 or older, or those permanently and totally disabled, who own their primary residence as their principal place of abode. The bill would exempt the first $20,000 of assessed value for qualifying residential property from ad valorem property taxes. This constitutional amendment requires voter approval at the 2026 general election to take effect. The current exemption amount is $10,000 under the existing constitutional provision.
SJR 11 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase West Virginia's homestead exemption from $20,000 to $25,000 for qualifying homeowners. It would exempt the first $25,000 of assessed value on primary residences owned by residents aged 65+ or permanently disabled. The amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election to take effect. This change would directly affect eligible homeowners by reducing their property tax burden on their primary residence. The bill is a constitutional proposal, not an immediate law, and must be ratified by voters.
HB 4585 modifies eligibility requirements for West Virginia volunteer firefighters seeking a state tax credit. To qualify, firefighters must now obtain certification from their fire department chief confirming they were active members for the full year, participated in at least 30 hours of on-site activities, met all required training, and provided specific details like rank, years of service, emergency responses, and training attendance. This certification must be submitted to the Tax Commissioner to claim the credit. The bill directly affects volunteer firefighters who currently or will seek this tax credit under West Virginia’s Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit Act.
Senate Bill 618 prohibits West Virginia state and local public funds from supporting postsecondary degree programs identified as having "low-earning outcomes" under federal standards. It requires the Higher Education Policy Council to adopt rules blocking state funding - covering student aid, operational costs, grants, and facilities - from such programs and to annually report on blocked programs and fiscal impacts. This directly affects public universities and colleges receiving state funding, as well as students enrolled in designated programs. The bill implements a policy change by tying state education funding eligibility to graduate earnings data, rather than program content or accreditation.
HB 4903 provides a $6,000 pay equity salary adjustment over three years for specific correctional employees in West Virginia. It directly affects non-uniform administrative staff at the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (starting July 1, 2026), as well as all employees of the Division of Corrections, Division of Juvenile Services, and West Virginia Regional Jail Authority (with adjustments effective July 1, 2018-2020). The bill mandates annual $2,000 raises each July 1 for these employees, funded from general revenue for state divisions and a special jail fund for regional facilities. This policy aims to address recruitment and retention challenges by increasing base pay for these roles, without altering existing pay grade maximums.
SB 594 would create a sales tax exemption for eligible disabled veterans purchasing vehicles in West Virginia. It exempts qualifying veterans from paying the state's 5-6% vehicle sales tax (depending on purchase date) on new or used vehicles. The bill establishes specific eligibility qualifications (details not included in this text) and sets an effective date for the exemption. This directly affects disabled veterans who buy vehicles in West Virginia, removing a financial burden related to vehicle purchases.
SB 144 would gradually increase West Virginia's homestead property tax exemption for eligible homeowners aged 65+ or permanently disabled residents. The bill phases in a higher exemption amount (beyond the current $20,000) over time, but only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment. It also repeals a provision limiting how much property tax rates can rise when property appraisals increase. This change directly affects qualifying homeowners by reducing their property tax burden, contingent on constitutional approval.
Senate Bill 45 modifies West Virginia's property valuation law to allow reduced appraisals for certain corporate-owned farmland. It specifically enables corporations that generate at least $20,000 annually in agricultural products (as defined by state law) to have their farm property appraised based on its farming value - not its potential non-farming use - regardless of whether farming is their primary business. This applies to all farm parcels owned by such corporations, whether contiguous or not. The bill directly affects corporate landowners meeting the $20,000 sales threshold who would otherwise not qualify for agricultural valuation. The change aims to align property tax assessments with the actual agricultural use of the land.
HB 4027 is West Virginia's proposed budget bill for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027), appropriating state funds for agency operations. It establishes funding categories like "personal services" (salaries), "employee benefits," and "current expenses" to cover routine state operations, while defining how agencies must manage and report these funds. The bill requires agencies to collect specific revenue amounts ("from collections") to avoid budget shortfalls and outlines procedures for handling insurance premiums and other costs through designated funds. As a routine appropriations measure, it directly affects all state agencies and departments that rely on state funding for their annual operations.
SB 416 bans political subdivisions (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to pay for lobbying activities starting July 1, 2026. It requires these entities to disclose lobbying contracts, costs, and related details to the West Virginia Ethics Commission and exempts law enforcement officers from the ban. Taxpayers or residents can sue to stop prohibited lobbying and recover attorney fees if they win the case. The law aims to prevent public money from being used to influence legislation by local governments.
