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.
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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.
HB 4868, the West Virginia Consumer Privacy Act of 2026, requires businesses like financial institutions, creditors, mortgage lenders, and brokers to obtain explicit "opt-in" consent from consumers before disclosing or selling their personal financial information. It directly affects West Virginia consumers who apply for credit or engage in financial transactions, granting them the right to know what data is shared and control its use. Key provisions mandate clear disclosure of data practices, prevent unauthorized sharing, and impose fines of up to $10,000 per violation for non-compliance. The bill aims to strengthen privacy protections against identity theft and deceptive practices by giving consumers active control over their financial information.
HB 4415 amends West Virginia law to explicitly include federal correctional facilities in existing statutes prohibiting the smuggling of prohibited items into correctional settings. The bill makes it a misdemeanor to deliver items like food, clothing, or money without permission (fines up to $500, jail up to 12 months) and a felony to transport weapons, drugs, escape tools, or telecommunications devices (fines $1,000-$5,000, prison 1-10 years). It directly affects individuals attempting to smuggle contraband into federal prisons located within West Virginia, such as visitors, family members, or others delivering unauthorized items. The law updates prior penalties for smuggling into state facilities to apply uniformly to federal correctional institutions.
HB 4097, the "Protection of Shared Physical and Digital Property from Warrantless Searches Act," requires government agents to obtain a warrant based on probable cause or a person’s consent before accessing information shared with third parties (like banks or cloud services) when obtaining goods or services. It directly affects West Virginia residents whose personal data is held by third parties for commercial purposes, such as financial records or online accounts. The bill defines "digital property" and "physical property" to include information shared for services, and prohibits warrantless searches of this shared information, overturning the "Third Party Doctrine" that previously allowed government access without warrants. This law would take effect upon passage, creating a new legal standard for government access to shared personal data.
HB 4060 requires most West Virginia businesses selling food or goods/services in physical locations to accept cash as payment, prohibiting them from forcing customers to use credit cards or digital payments. This applies to restaurants, retail stores, and similar in-person establishments but excludes online, phone, or mail-order transactions. The West Virginia Treasurer's Office may create exemptions for specific cases, such as very small transactions or certain business types, through regulations. Violating the law could result in a $500 fine for businesses.
