Technology

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 640: Prohibiting release of certain personal information of contributors to political elections

SB 640 prohibits the public release of contributors' addresses and employer information for political election donations exceeding $250 in a single election cycle. It amends West Virginia election law to require this information to be reported in financial statements but bans its disclosure to the public, while maintaining the requirement for contributors to provide it. The bill directly affects political donors over $250 and election committees that file financial reports. A violation constitutes a misdemeanor offense under the new provisions. This change modifies existing disclosure rules to protect contributor privacy for specific details, without altering contribution limits or reporting requirements.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits public release of donor personal data (addresses, employers), directly advancing data privacy protections under Technology topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 228: Relating to use of technology in child abuse and neglect investigations

SB 228 establishes a two-county pilot program requiring child protective services workers in West Virginia to use mobile devices (like tablets) during child abuse and neglect investigations. The bill mandates that these devices must create digital records in real time, automatically upload data daily to department servers, and meet specific technical requirements for security and interoperability with existing systems. The pilot, starting October 2027, requires mobile technology use in at least 70% of cases in the participating counties and runs for five years. The Department of Human Services must report annually on the program’s progress to the Legislative Oversight Commission.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates security standards for mobile devices in investigations, enhancing cybersecurity protocols for real-time data handling and interoperability.95% confidence

passed · West Virginia · Senate Feb 26, 2026

SB 560: Relating to financing and state payments

SB 560, the Financial Accountability Stable Token Act (FAST Act), allows West Virginia to use stable digital tokens fully backed by U.S. dollars for payments to state vendors and contractors. The State Treasurer will maintain a list of approved tokens meeting strict criteria (e.g., 1:1 U.S. dollar backing, quarterly audits, and U.S. regulatory compliance) and may authorize them without further legislative action. Vendors and contractors can choose to accept these tokens voluntarily but cannot be required to do so, and such payments will satisfy the state’s financial obligations. The Treasurer must also submit annual reports to the Legislature detailing token usage, cost savings, and risk assessments.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEnables state use of regulated digital tokens for payments, promoting digital transaction adoption with strict financial safeguards85% confidence

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 29, 2026

HB 4945: Prohibit the use of electronic devices for learning in all classrooms grades 3 and below

HB 4945 prohibits the use of electronic devices like tablets, laptops, or computers for learning and testing in classrooms for students in grades three and below. The bill directly affects elementary schools, teachers, and students in these grade levels by banning device use during instructional activities. It explicitly excludes calculators from the prohibition. The law aims to limit screen time for young learners during classroom instruction. This is a direct policy change requiring schools to remove such devices from early-grade classrooms for educational purposes.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationProhibits electronic devices in grades 3 and below, restricting classroom technology use during instruction per bill summary.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits electronic devices in K-3 classrooms, directly restricting technology use for learning as stated in the bill's summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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introduced · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 50: Providing all coal severance tax be provided to county that produced coal

This bill redirects a portion of West Virginia's coal severance tax to the specific counties where coal is mined. Starting in 2012, it gradually increases the share sent to coal-producing counties (from 1% to 5% of the tax), with an annual cap of $20 million. Counties must use these funds exclusively for economic development or infrastructure projects like roads, broadband, mine reclamation, or water systems - barring personal services or bond costs. It ensures local communities directly benefit from coal extracted within their borders.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects severance tax revenue to coal counties for local economic development and infrastructure, directly allocating state tax funds to targeted budget uses.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRedirects coal severance tax to coal-producing counties for infrastructure, directly supporting fossil fuel energy production and local economic development tied to coal.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly permits use of funds for broadband infrastructure, directly expanding internet access as a permitted economic development project.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly allocates funds for road infrastructure (listed as eligible use) and mandates county spending on transportation-related projects like roads.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coal Broadband Access

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 3, 2026

HB 4770: Establishing limitations on the use of artificial intelligence and artificial intelligence technology to deliver mental health care, with exceptions for administrative support functions

HB 4770 prohibits the use of AI companions (systems designed to simulate human relationships through personalized, ongoing emotional interactions) in delivering mental health therapy services. It requires explicit, written consent for any AI use in mental health care, banning such tools from diagnosing, treating, or claiming to treat conditions. The law applies to all health insurance policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2027, affecting mental health providers and insurers. Exceptions allow AI for administrative tasks (e.g., scheduling) but not for direct therapy or emotional engagement.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareRestricts AI use in mental health therapy delivery, requiring consent and banning diagnostic claims - limits AI's role in care, aligning with 'oppose' stance.92% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits AI companions in mental health therapy, banning diagnostic/treatment use and requiring consent, directly restricting AI technology deployment in healthcare.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 21, 2026

HB 4682: Fourth Amendment Restoration Act

HB 4682, the Fourth Amendment Restoration Act, prohibits West Virginia law enforcement officers and local government officials from using specific surveillance and artificial intelligence technologies without a warrant. It bans real-time security monitoring, facial recognition, license plate readers, surveillance drones, and other listed tools for law enforcement purposes unless a court issues a warrant based on probable cause. Violators face felony charges with penalties including up to one year in prison and $10,000 fines per violation. The bill also allows individuals to sue officials who violate these restrictions and requires immediate discontinuation of existing use of banned technologies by all local governments. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts law enforcement surveillance tech without warrants, protecting civil rights and enhancing police accountability per Fourth Amendment protections.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts law enforcement use of surveillance/AI tech without warrants, limiting facial recognition, drones, and license plate readers per bill's explicit prohibitions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Law Enforcement Artificial Intelligence Emerging Technology

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 29, 2026

HB 4909: Relating to consumer protection from fraudulent telephone solicitation

HB 4909 prohibits deceptive telephone solicitation in West Virginia by requiring prior written consent for automated calls (like robocalls) and banning caller ID spoofing, blocking, or calls between 8 PM and 8 AM. It directly affects consumers (protecting them from scams), businesses (requiring consent for sales calls), and telecom providers (mandating anti-spoofing technology like STIR/SHAKEN within 12 months). Violators face civil penalties of $100 per spoofed call, full reimbursement for customer damages, and a 5x restitution fee - 75% of which funds local fire and emergency medical services. Exemptions include charities, business-to-business calls, and communications within existing customer relationships.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates anti-spoofing tech (STIR/SHAKEN) for telecom providers to prevent fraud, directly enhancing cybersecurity and protecting consumer data privacy from deceptive calls.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications Tags Consumer Protection

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passed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 11, 2026

SB 440: Increasing penalty for transporting telecommunication devices into jails

This bill amends West Virginia law to specifically prohibit transporting telecommunications devices (like cell phones) into correctional facilities, including federal prisons. It increases penalties for delivering such devices to inmates or unauthorizedly bringing them onto facility grounds, with felony charges carrying fines up to $5,000 or up to 10 years in prison, and misdemeanor charges for lesser violations. The law directly affects visitors, family members, staff, or others attempting to bring devices into jails or prisons without authorization. It expands existing restrictions by explicitly naming telecommunications devices and updating their definition within the legal framework.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for transporting devices to jails, expanding criminalization and restricting inmate access without reform focus.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly restricts transportation of telecom devices (cell phones) into jails, increasing penalties for unauthorized access. Directly limits technology use in correctional facilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Telecommunications

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passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 30, 2026

HCR 4: Requesting the Joint Committee on Technology & Infrastructure to establish a Genesis Working Group to coordinate statewide planning for artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, digital infrastructure, and energy-based economic development

HCR 4 requests West Virginia's Joint Committee on Technology & Infrastructure to establish a Genesis Working Group. This group will coordinate statewide planning for artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, digital infrastructure, and energy-based economic development, aligning with federal initiatives. The working group will focus on state readiness, energy-resource integration, broadband expansion, and site identification for digital infrastructure projects. The resolution does not create new laws but directs state agencies and legislators to collaborate on strategic planning.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly establishes working group to coordinate statewide planning including 'broadband expansion', directly advancing internet access (key technology policy area).90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Broadband Access

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