Housing

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 659: Prohibiting certain restrictions on regulation of accessory dwelling units

SB 659 prevents West Virginia municipalities from banning or overly restricting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - secondary living spaces like converted garages or backyard cottages - on single-family residential properties. The bill bans local governments from requiring public hearings, imposing excessive fees ($250 max application fee), mandating matching exterior designs, or setting stricter size/height rules for ADUs than for primary homes. It also prohibits municipalities from requiring additional parking, restrictive covenants, or separate water/sewer systems for ADUs, though they may still regulate short-term rentals separately. This directly affects homeowners seeking to build or rent out ADUs without local bureaucratic hurdles.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves local restrictions on ADUs, increasing housing supply and affordability by allowing secondary units on single-family properties without excessive fees or design mandates.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 573: Relating to requirements for disclosures and recordkeeping by persons making mortgage loans

This bill updates West Virginia's mortgage lending laws to strengthen consumer protections and improve transparency for borrowers. It requires lenders and brokers to provide detailed closing statements that clearly show late payment penalty maximums and must include the borrower's signature, ensuring they understand the loan terms before finalizing the agreement. The bill also mandates that loan records be kept for 36 months and allows borrowers to request account statements and payoff information within specific timeframes without fees, except for third-party delivery costs. Additionally, it clarifies that a separate state-specific closing disclosure is not needed if the federal closing disclosure already contains all required information, reducing paperwork while maintaining compliance with state and federal standards.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens consumer protections and transparency in mortgage lending, which supports affordable housing access and protects borrowers from predatory practices.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

vetoed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Apr 2, 2026

HB 4730: Developing a Continuum of Independent Living and Transitional Support Services for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

HB 4730 requires West Virginia's Department of Human Services to create a coordinated system of support for youth aging out of foster care or preparing to exit foster care, directly affecting these young adults statewide. The bill mandates a three-phase housing model (on-site living, scattered-site arrangements, and supportive independent living) plus services to build daily living, social-emotional, and education/career skills. It establishes specific funding rules including per diem rates for providers, annual cost-of-living adjustments, and direct monthly stipends to youth for housing costs, while maximizing federal Title IV-E funding. The department must implement annual data collection and reporting to the legislature on outcomes like housing stability and employment, starting in 2027.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates a three-phase housing model for foster youth with funding rules, directly advancing housing support for vulnerable population.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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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 Housing

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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 Housing

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passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 25, 2026

HB 4537: Requiring municipalities take action when potential customers apply for water and sewer service.

HB 4537 requires West Virginia municipalities and public service districts to determine the cost of extending water or sewer service to new customers and apply for state infrastructure grants to cover these costs. If grants are approved, the municipality must extend service after customers pay required fees, and grant funds must reimburse customers for upfront costs like application fees and service extension contributions. This directly affects potential customers seeking new service connections and municipalities managing utility infrastructure. The bill streamlines access to state funding to reduce customer financial barriers for service extensions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill reduces upfront costs for water/sewer extensions, removing a key barrier for new housing development by requiring municipalities to cover fees via state grants.80% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 21, 2026

HB 5197: Relating to Civil Action to Set Aside a Tax Deed

HB 5197 shortens the time homeowners have to challenge a tax deed from two years to one year if they weren't properly notified of the sale. It requires anyone suing to set aside a tax deed to deposit full redemption funds with the court clerk before proceeding. The bill also strengthens the requirement that property purchasers must prove they made "reasonably diligent" efforts to notify potential owners before selling property at tax sale. These changes directly affect property owners who missed tax sale notices and tax deed purchasers seeking to secure title.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill shortens homeowner challenge period and requires funds upfront, making it harder to contest tax deeds. Weakens property rights protection, potentially leading to displacement. Not supporting housing stability or tenant rights.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Housing

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