Transportation

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 607: Relating to federally approved project delivery methods for airport capital improvement projects

SB 607 allows West Virginia airport authorities to use federally approved project delivery methods - such as design-build or construction manager-at-risk - for airport capital improvement projects funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program or Airport Terminal Program. This overrides state procurement laws (like §5-22-1 et seq.) that would otherwise require specific contracting processes, as long as projects meet FAA safety and engineering standards. The bill directly affects airport authorities managing FAA-funded airport projects in West Virginia, streamlining their ability to implement federal-approved construction approaches.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEnables faster airport infrastructure projects by overriding state procurement rules for FAA-funded work, advancing transportation infrastructure development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Airports

introduced · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 79: Establishing road or highway infrastructure improvement projects or coal production and processing facilities tax credit

SB 79 creates a tax credit for West Virginia businesses that invest in road or highway infrastructure projects or coal production and processing facilities. Eligible taxpayers - such as corporations and consolidated groups subject to the state's severance tax - can claim the credit based on qualified expenditures like labor, materials, equipment, and real property costs for these projects. Businesses must apply for certification before claiming the credit for road projects, and unused credits can be carried forward to future tax years. The credit is transferable to business successors, and failure to maintain required records may trigger penalties.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit reducing liability for eligible businesses, directly providing tax relief per support indicators.95% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill provides tax credit for coal production (fossil fuel), explicitly favoring fossil fuels over renewables. No support for renewable energy infrastructure or clean energy policies.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentTax credit for coal production/processing facilities prioritizes fossil fuel industry over environmental protection, increasing pollution risk.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates tax credits for businesses investing in road/highway infrastructure projects, directly funding transportation improvements through financial incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Tax Credits Tax Incentives Coal Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

Track

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 592: WV Short Line Railroad Modernization Act

SB 592 creates a tax credit program for West Virginia short line railroads and related infrastructure. It provides a 50% tax credit on qualified maintenance costs (capped at $5,000 per mile of track) and new infrastructure investments (capped at $2 million per project, with a $5 million annual limit). Eligible taxpayers include Class II/III railroads operating in West Virginia and owners/lessees of rail sidings or industrial spurs. Credits can be carried forward for up to five years or transferred to other taxpayers via written agreement. The bill directly supports rail infrastructure modernization by reducing costs for qualifying rail operators.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credits for railroads, reducing tax liability for eligible entities through targeted fiscal incentives.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates tax credits for rail infrastructure maintenance and new projects, directly funding transportation modernization within the topic's scope.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Rail

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

HB 4639: Repeal code relating to inspection of vehicles

HB 4639 would repeal West Virginia's mandatory vehicle inspection requirements by removing sections of the state code (§17C-16-1 through §17C-16-9) that currently govern vehicle safety inspections. If enacted, this bill would eliminate the state's requirement for periodic safety inspections of motor vehicles, removing a regulatory obligation for vehicle owners. The change would directly affect drivers and vehicle owners who currently must obtain state inspections to comply with registration rules. This repeal would remove existing administrative processes for inspection stations and related penalties for non-compliance.

Topics ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationBill repeals mandatory vehicle safety inspections, weakening transportation safety standards by eliminating regulatory requirements for vehicle owners.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration

Track

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 26, 2026

HB 4825: Authorizing municipalities to place signage on state roads within their municipal jurisdiction and boundaries.

HB 4825 authorizes West Virginia municipalities to place signage on state roads located within their municipal boundaries. The bill specifically permits signs such as speed warnings or radar-based speed displays that inform drivers of their current speed. This applies only to state roads situated inside a municipality's jurisdiction, not to all state highways. The legislation directly affects local governments by giving them new authority to install traffic safety signage on roads they oversee within city limits.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAuthorizes municipalities to install speed safety signage on state roads, directly enhancing road safety infrastructure per transportation topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Traffic Safety

Track

passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 10, 2026

HB 4410: Relating to special stops required for on-track equipment

HB 4410 clarifies when drivers must stop at railroad crossings by defining "on-track equipment" (including maintenance vehicles and all rail-based equipment) and updating stop requirements. It requires drivers to stop 15-50 feet from rails when signals indicate an approaching train or other on-track equipment, gates are lowered, a train is within 1,500 feet and audible, or a train is visibly hazardous. The bill also prohibits driving around or under closed gates and specifies penalties: misdemeanor fines up to $100 or 10 days in jail, plus three driver’s license points for violations. This directly affects drivers approaching railroad crossings in West Virginia, ensuring consistent safety rules for all rail-related equipment.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationClarifies stop requirements at railroad crossings to enhance safety, directly strengthening transportation safety standards through updated regulations and penalties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

Track

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 30, 2026

HB 5013: Requiring the Commissioner of Highways to develop a formula for allocating road funds among districts

HB 5013 requires West Virginia's Commissioner of Highways to create a formula for distributing road funds among counties. It mandates setting aside 20% of the state road fund to reimburse counties for local funds spent on feeder and state local roads (like county-maintained roads), with reimbursements distributed either on a matching basis or proportionally if requests exceed the allocated amount. The remaining 80% of funds must be allocated for road maintenance and construction based on road types (paved, gravel, or unimproved) and unimproved road mileage. The formula must consider specific factors and be submitted to the Legislature for approval, with public meetings required to gather input on the distribution method.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates 20% fund allocation for county road reimbursements and 80% for maintenance/construction, directly funding transportation infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

Track

introduced · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 238: Allowing municipalities to complete work previously requested to DOH

SB 238 amends West Virginia Code §8-12-5 to explicitly allow municipalities to complete highway construction or maintenance work previously requested from the Division of Highways (DOH). This directly affects West Virginia cities and towns, granting them authority to finish such projects themselves instead of relying solely on state highway department execution. The key provision establishes a payment mechanism for municipalities to cover costs associated with completing these previously requested projects. The bill updates existing municipal powers under state law to clarify this new capability without altering the underlying responsibilities of the Division of Highways.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly grants municipalities authority to complete highway projects themselves, improving infrastructure management and maintenance per West Virginia Code amendment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

Track

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 16, 2026

HB 4480: Relating to Access Management and Entrances to State Highways

HB 4480 modifies West Virginia's rules for access points to state highways used by commercial or industrial properties. It removes permit requirements for new access points, streamlining the process for businesses. The bill also creates standards for reviewing existing access points (especially those over 50 feet wide on highways with speed limits above 45 mph), allowing the Division of Highways to require safety changes like "no parking" signs based on traffic data. These changes directly affect property owners with highway-facing commercial or industrial properties.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRemoves permit barriers for commercial highway access and establishes safety standards for entrances, enhancing transportation infrastructure management and safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

Track

introduced · West Virginia · Senate Jan 19, 2026

SB 485: Establishing WV Behavior-Based E-Bike and Multi-Use Trail Mobility Act

This bill establishes a behavior-based regulatory system for e-bikes and other trail devices across West Virginia. It creates three operational classes: Class A (traditional pedal bikes), Class B (limited motor-assist bikes), and Class C (motor-propelled devices like throttled e-bikes), classifying devices based on how they're used rather than technical specs. The law requires all users to yield to equestrians and pedestrians, sets default speed limits (12-15 mph on natural trails, 20 mph on paved paths), and prohibits exceeding posted speeds. It applies to all public trails statewide, directly affecting cyclists, e-bike riders, pedestrians, equestrians, and trail managers.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEstablishes safety regulations for e-bikes on trails, enhancing transportation safety standards through speed limits and yielding requirements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Electric Vehicles

Track