HB 5354 authorizes the continued use of multiple existing legislative rules governing West Virginia's higher education programs, including scholarship initiatives like the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship and PROMISE. It amends one rule (Medical Student Loan Program) to require U.S. citizenship or legal immigrant status for eligibility and repeals two outdated rules related to purchasing efficiencies and a research trust fund program. The bill does not create new programs but formalizes current administrative practices under the Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College Education. This procedural bill affects state education agencies and institutions managing these programs.
HB 5408 would require West Virginia government entities (such as state agencies, counties, and municipalities) to obtain a court-issued warrant before sharing personal information for federal immigration enforcement. Before disclosing such data, agencies must verify with requesters - under penalty of perjury - whether the information is sought for immigration enforcement and, if so, demand a warrant from a federal or state court. The bill also mandates annual reports to the attorney general and legislature detailing the number of immigration-related requests received and how they were handled. This law directly affects local and state agencies that handle personal data, including law enforcement and social services departments.
This bill establishes mandatory Medicaid program requirements for West Virginia, directly affecting Medicaid enrollees including adults, children, and individuals receiving coverage under the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Key provisions include implementing a work requirement by January 1, 2027; prohibiting Medicaid use by undocumented residents starting October 1, 2026; requiring biannual eligibility verification; ending multi-state enrollment; removing deceased members quarterly; reducing error rates to 3% by 2028; and limiting retroactive eligibility to 30-60 days. The bill aligns West Virginia’s Medicaid program with federal requirements under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), mandating the Bureau for Medical Services to seek necessary federal authority to implement these changes. It also requires Medicaid waivers to be budget neutral and amends specific taxes related to managed care and providers.
Senate Bill 730 requires West Virginia's Bureau for Family Assistance to meet two specific program standards by January 1, 2027: (1) reduce its error rate in processing applications to 6% or below, and (2) block individuals living in the U.S. illegally from receiving supplemental nutrition benefits. The bill directly affects the Bureau’s operations and applicants seeking nutrition assistance. It aims to align the state’s program with federal requirements, as noted in the bill’s purpose statement. The provisions focus on operational accuracy and eligibility verification for nutrition benefits.
HB 5551 requires West Virginia to continue issuing non-REAL ID compliant driver's licenses and ID cards, clearly marked "NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES," which remain valid for all state purposes like driving and identity verification. The bill prohibits the state from collecting biometric data (such as facial scans or fingerprints), retaining copies of identity documents (like birth certificates or Social Security cards), or sharing personal information from these licenses with federal or interstate databases. It mandates that applicants be informed of their choice between REAL ID and non-REAL ID options and provided with a list of TSA-acceptable IDs, while banning digital IDs and requiring physical licenses for all purposes. The law also prohibits state agencies from entering agreements that conflict with these protections.
HB 5477 requires state-supported law enforcement agencies - including county sheriffs, municipal police, and regional jails receiving state funds - to join the federal 287(g) program for immigration enforcement. Larger detention facilities must use the "Jail Enforcement Model" under this program, with a fallback to the "Warrant Service Officer Model" only if federal authorities deny the primary option. The bill mandates reporting, audits, and allows withholding of state public safety funds from noncompliant agencies. It standardizes cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in detention settings across West Virginia.
HB 5424 requires employers in West Virginia to verify the U.S. citizenship or legal work authorization of all employees through documentation, defining "unauthorized workers" as non-citizens ineligible for employment. The bill mandates that employers "knowingly" fail to request or review such documentation is considered non-compliant, with the labor commissioner authorized to investigate violations. It establishes "High Risk Industries" for targeted enforcement, preempts conflicting local ordinances, and provides civil protections for employers acting in good faith. The law applies broadly to all employers, including state agencies, and creates new legal mechanisms for compliance verification under the "Worker Citizenship Verification Act of 2026."
HB 4671 requires West Virginia law enforcement to immediately transfer individuals determined to be in the country without legal immigration status to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation. For a second offense (if the same person is again found without legal status), the bill classifies it as a felony, mandating 3 to 5 years in state prison before deportation. The bill also prohibits state and local law enforcement from interfering with this process or overriding federal immigration policy. It directly affects individuals without legal immigration status who are apprehended by law enforcement in the state.
HB 4148 requires real estate salesperson license applicants in West Virginia to submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States. This directly affects individuals seeking to become real estate salespersons in the state. The bill amends §30-40-13 of the West Virginia Code to add this documentation requirement alongside existing education and exam standards. It does not change the education or exam requirements but adds a new verification step for applicants' immigration status. The law applies only to salesperson licenses, not other real estate professional licenses.
HB 4486 establishes fines for employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers in West Virginia. It directly affects businesses and organizations that employ individuals without proper immigration authorization. The bill sets tiered penalties: $1,000-$10,000 for a first offense, $5,000-$20,000 for a second, and $10,000-$30,000 or up to one year in jail for third or subsequent offenses. Additional penalties apply for falsifying records or transferring assets to evade these requirements. The bill amends existing law to strengthen enforcement against employers who knowingly violate immigration hiring rules.
