SB 623, titled the "West Virginia-Powered Data Center Incentive Act," creates new economic incentives for *new* data centers to locate in West Virginia by offering reduced property taxes and a tax credit for coal-fired electric utilities supplying them with power. To qualify, data centers must meet specific eligibility criteria and apply through a state process, with incentives requiring ongoing compliance to avoid recapture. The bill aims to attract data center investment to generate jobs, boost economic growth, and support West Virginia's coal industry by leveraging its coal-generated electricity infrastructure.
HB 4843 prohibits businesses in West Virginia from using scanner technology to collect personal details like driver's license numbers, Social Security numbers, or medical history during consumer transactions - except for verifying age. The bill defines "scanner technology" as devices that capture license barcodes/magnetic strips, print age results, store transaction records, and transfer data, banning their use for collecting non-age PII. It directly affects retailers, bars, or any business using such scanners for age verification or data collection. Violations are classified as unfair or deceptive business practices under West Virginia law, creating enforceable penalties. The bill focuses solely on restricting specific scanner technology, not general data privacy rules.
HB 4163 requires all West Virginia public agencies to maintain a publicly accessible online database tracking Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and outcomes. It protects the privacy of individuals making FOIA requests by mandating that their names, contact details, and other personal information be redacted from all public records and databases. Agencies must update their online FOIA logs within 90 days of the law’s passage and face penalties, including potential damages of up to $5,000 per violation, for failing to redact personal information. This bill directly affects government agencies handling FOIA requests and all residents who submit such requests.
This bill authorizes West Virginia's Office of Technology to finalize and implement a specific legislative rule (163 CSR 03) regarding cyber incident reporting. It directly affects the Office of Technology, which will manage the rule, and entities required to report cyber incidents under this rule. The key provision formally approves the rule - previously modified to address committee feedback - after it was initially filed in July 2025 and refiled in August 2025. The rule establishes standards for how organizations must report cyber incidents to the state. This is a procedural authorization for an existing rule, not a new policy.
HB 4832 creates a program to support data center development in West Virginia by requiring "high impact" data centers (those meeting specific water and energy use thresholds) to report their water needs and obtain environmental certification that their operations won't harm state water resources. The environmental agency can limit or stop water withdrawals if adverse impacts are likely, and must hold public hearings for these facilities. The bill mandates transparency through standardized reporting while exempting certain business information from public disclosure requests. This aims to balance economic growth from data centers with protection of local water resources.
Tags
Economic Development
This bill authorizes the Office of Technology to implement a legislative rule about cyber reporting requirements, specifically referencing the rule filed as "163 CSR 03" in the State Register. The rule was previously modified to address legislative committee feedback and refiled on August 14, 2025. It directly affects entities required to report cyber incidents under this rule, such as state agencies or technology providers. The bill itself does not create new requirements but formally approves the existing rule for implementation.
HB 4545 requires West Virginia's Department of Human Services to provide child welfare workers in two pilot counties with mobile devices (like tablets) that enable real-time digital record-keeping during child abuse and neglect investigations. The devices must have a customized operating system for child welfare, automatically upload records daily to a secure server, and be used in at least 70% of cases, while integrating with existing department systems. The pilot program, starting October 1, 2027, runs for five years and mandates annual reports to the legislature on its progress and metrics. This bill directly affects child welfare workers in the selected counties and the Department of Human Services, replacing paper-based processes with standardized digital tools.
SB 213 would give West Virginia's Public Service Commission (PSC) authority to regulate internet service providers (ISPs). The bill requires ISPs to provide reliable, safe service under fair terms and allows customers to file complaints with the PSC about inadequate service or unfair practices. The PSC could enforce these standards by imposing fines of up to $7,000 per violation for non-compliance. This directly affects ISPs operating in West Virginia and their residential and business customers.
HB 4631, the "Internet Reliability Act," reclassifies Internet Service Providers (ISPs) as telecommunications utilities under West Virginia law. This means ISPs operating in the state would fall under the regulatory authority of the Public Service Commission (PSC), similar to traditional phone and cable companies. The bill amends existing law to explicitly include ISPs in the PSC’s jurisdiction for regulating rates, service standards, and other utility-related matters. It does not create new service requirements but clarifies that ISPs will be subject to the same oversight as other telecommunications providers.
SB 339 authorizes the Commissioner of Financial Institutions to promulgate a legislative rule governing the Fintech Regulatory Sandbox Program, which enables fintech companies to test new financial products under temporary regulatory flexibility. The bill formally approves an existing rule (106 CSR 21) that was filed in the State Register on February 3, 2025. This procedural measure ensures the rule has legislative backing without altering the program's core structure or requirements. The rule directly affects fintech companies seeking to pilot innovations in a controlled environment with reduced compliance burdens.
