This bill requires the West Virginia Department of Education to review school closures and consolidations from the current year and the previous four fiscal years. Within 180 days, the department must propose changes to the School Aid Formula that would have prevented at least 80% of closures previously justified by financial or operational reasons. It directly affects public schools in West Virginia facing closure threats due to budget constraints. The bill mandates these formula adjustments regardless of past district decisions, aiming to stabilize school funding. The provision takes effect immediately upon passage.
HB 4123 provides annual pay increases for West Virginia Capitol Police officers and support staff to address retention challenges. It mandates a $5,000 annual pay raise for all Capitol Police officers starting July 1, 2026, with additional $5,000 increases each subsequent July 1 through 2029. Support staff receive only the initial $5,000 increase in 2026. Funding for these raises will come from the Capitol Police’s existing general revenue budget, as specified in the bill. The legislation directly affects all employees working at Capitol Complex properties under the Division of Protective Services.
SB 680 would repeal West Virginia's personal income tax and corporate net income tax. It directly affects all West Virginia residents (who pay personal income tax) and corporations operating in the state (which pay corporate net income tax). The bill eliminates these taxes for income earned after January 1, 2028, while requiring collection of existing tax liabilities for years ending before December 31, 2027. The repeal takes effect July 1, 2026, with the State Tax Commissioner managing final filings and refunds for prior tax years.
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.
HB 4101 would exempt married couples and surviving spouses with four or more children from paying West Virginia state income tax. The exemption applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2027, and automatically starts when a family claims their fourth dependent child on their state tax return. Once in effect, the exemption continues for all future tax years in which the family files as married or surviving spouse. This policy change would eliminate state income tax liability for qualifying families starting in 2027.
SB 584 shortens the required notice period for tax lien sales in West Virginia from 30 days to 15 days before a deed may be issued (amending §11A-3-55). It also reduces the time homeowners have to challenge a tax deed from two years to one year after the deed is delivered (amending §11A-4-4). The bill requires property owners seeking to contest a sale to deposit funds for redemption before court proceedings can begin. These changes directly affect property owners at risk of losing homes to tax sales and tax lien purchasers.
SB 110 creates West Virginia's State Black Lung Program to provide financial benefits to coal miners diagnosed with occupational pneumoconiosis (black lung disease). It establishes a conclusive presumption of entitlement to pain and suffering benefits after 10 years of exposure (with 15 years required for full benefits), requiring no total disability proof. Benefits are calculated as $200 monthly base plus $15 per additional year beyond 15 years of exposure, and recipients may claim these as a state tax credit. The program is funded by a new 10% tax on coal severance and electricity generation from solar/wind devices, depositing revenue into the State Black Lung Fund.
SB 434 creates the PEIA Stability and Sustainability Act of 2026 to stabilize West Virginia's Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA), which covers over 200,000 state employees, teachers, public workers, and retirees. It establishes a PEIA Stabilization Reserve Fund funded by 2% of the state's General Revenue each year, sets employer contributions at 82% (minimum 80%) and employee contributions at 18%, and protects retirees by capping premiums at $100/month for those with under $40,000 annual pension income or covering full Medicare Advantage premiums. The bill mandates public transparency for rate changes (with 30-day notice and actuarial justification), creates an independent oversight board with employee and retiree representation, and requires annual accountability reports. These provisions aim to prevent premium spikes, ensure long-term solvency, and maintain affordable coverage for beneficiaries.
HB 4125 creates a tax credit for West Virginia residents who pay income taxes to foreign countries on income also subject to West Virginia taxation, preventing double taxation. It directly affects West Virginia residents earning foreign income who have already paid taxes to foreign governments. The bill allows a credit against West Virginia taxes equal to foreign taxes paid, but only if double taxation would otherwise occur after federal tax rules apply. The credit expires on July 1, 2070, as specified in the bill's sunset provision.
SB 156 changes West Virginia's motor vehicle property tax system by replacing tax credits with direct refunds for eligible owners. It defines "eligible taxpayers" to include vehicle owners (including those with financing or leases), lessors who pass savings to lessees, and pass-through entity owners, while excluding motor vehicle dealers on retail inventory. The bill streamlines processing by requiring counties to report eligible claims weekly and mandating refunds within 30 days via check or direct deposit. This update simplifies the current system by shifting from credits applied against income tax to immediate cash refunds for timely-paid property taxes.
