Transportation in West Virginia

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

HB 5562: Relating to establishing a process for the Department of Highways to receive complaints from the public relating to public road hazards

HB 5562 creates a public reporting system for hazardous conditions on state-maintained roads, such as potholes, damaged guardrails, or obstructed pathways. It requires the West Virginia Department of Highways to establish a 24/7 toll-free hotline, online portal, and mobile app for residents to report hazards, with the department tracking each report via unique IDs and classifying severity. The bill mandates a public online dashboard showing report volumes, response times, and resolution status, plus an annual report to the legislature on hazard trends and improvements. Crucially, it provides limited state liability if the Department fails to address a reported hazard after receiving notice, while protecting reporters' personal information.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Feb 24, 2026

SB 1015: Establishing Drainage Relief Fund

SB 1015 creates the Drainage Remediation Fund in West Virginia's State Treasury to address drainage issues affecting state roads. The fund, administered by the Commissioner of Highways, provides financial support for drainage projects that protect state roads, including work on private property when necessary. County commissions, municipalities, and private landowners can apply for funding but must reimburse the fund for any requested project upgrades. Unobligated funds at year's end may revert to the State Road Fund at the Commissioner's discretion.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 11, 2026

HB 5455: Relating to special license plates

HB 5455 directs all mandatory fees from special license plates in West Virginia to the State Road Fund for road maintenance. It adds a voluntary donation option at registration or renewal, allowing drivers to contribute to programs related to their plate's theme (e.g., military, education, or environmental causes). Donations must be clearly marked as optional, separate from fees, and distributed only to the designated program. The bill requires the DMV to disclose these details to applicants and report annual fee and donation totals to the legislature. This affects all drivers purchasing special license plates and ensures road funding remains primary while offering optional support for themed causes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Procurement Driver Licensing Transportation Funding Vehicle Registration

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 777: Creating Outdoor West Virginians with Disabilities Act

SB 777 creates the "Outdoor West Virginians with Disabilities Act" to improve access to state public lands for people with disabilities. It requires West Virginia’s Division of Natural Resources and Division of Forestry to update land management plans, ensuring at least 2.5 miles of accessible roads per square mile on state forest and natural resource lands. The bill mandates that road closures must not reduce accessible road mileage below this threshold without specific justification, and requires public input before closing roads. It also prioritizes including roads that support diverse recreation like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing while maintaining accessibility standards.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Tags People with Disabilities

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 9, 2026

HB 5358: Authorizing the West Virginia Commissioner of Highways to offer locality pay to Division of Highways employees working in certain jurisdictions

HB 5358 authorizes the West Virginia Commissioner of Highways to offer locality pay to Division of Highways employees working in specific areas where competitive wages are needed to recruit and retain staff. The bill allows employees in designated locations to receive an additional $10,000 annually on top of their regular salary, exceeding standard pay ranges for their position. This applies specifically to workers involved in state road projects, including planning, engineering, construction, maintenance, and traffic regulation. The commissioner must create a policy to implement this, but the bill does not guarantee funding or specify which areas will be designated.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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

HB 4441: To require anyone operating a vehicle that requires a CDL in WV to be able to read and speak the English language.

HB 4441 requires anyone applying for a commercial driver's license (CDL) in West Virginia to be able to read and speak English. This applies specifically to new CDL applicants seeking a license in the state. The bill amends existing law (§17E-1-9) to explicitly add this language requirement alongside other existing standards like passing knowledge/skills tests and meeting federal regulations. It does not affect current CDL holders or change other existing qualifications for obtaining a CDL.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 499: Requiring auto accident toxicology test be performed

West Virginia's SB 499 requires toxicology tests for drivers involved in any vehicle crash that results in death. The bill mandates these tests be performed "as soon as possible" after a fatal accident, directly affecting drivers in such crashes. It amends existing law (§17C-4-1) to add this requirement, specifying that testing applies to all drivers involved in fatal collisions. The bill, named "Erin’s Law," does not change penalties for hit-and-run offenses but adds this testing mandate as a new procedural step. This is a concrete policy change focused on gathering evidence in fatal crash investigations.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 28, 2026

SB 635: Creating Mountain Bike Responsibility Act

SB 635, the Mountain Bike Responsibility Act, requires commercial trail operators in West Virginia to implement specific safety signage and trail markings. It mandates operators to display trail network maps at key locations, mark trails by difficulty level (using industry-standard colors/symbols), and clearly indicate closed trails at trailheads and intersections. The bill applies directly to commercial entities operating mountain bike trails and aerial tramways, defining their duties while clarifying that mountain bikers assume inherent sport risks. Currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee (introduced January 28, 2026), this bill establishes operational standards but does not alter existing liability laws for injuries.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 3, 2026

HB 4036: Relating to stricter enforcement for parking in a handicapped designated spot

HB 4036 increases penalties for illegally parking in accessible spaces or misusing special disability plates/placards in West Virginia. It requires placards to display clearly (red for temporary, blue for permanent use) and mandates a public awareness campaign about proper parking rules and consequences. The bill does not change eligibility for placards - applicants still need medical certification from licensed providers - but strengthens enforcement against violations. It directly affects people with mobility impairments who use designated parking and violators who park illegally in these spaces.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 19, 2026

SB 487: West Virginia Trails, Access, and Stewardship Act

SB 487 creates the West Virginia Trails, Access, and Stewardship Act to establish a coordinated statewide system of non-motorized trails (hiking, biking, equestrian, water trails, and ADA-accessible segments). It forms the West Virginia Trail Authority to set uniform standards for trail development, safety, wildlife protection, and emergency response, while creating a dedicated Trail Maintenance and Stewardship Fund for long-term upkeep. The bill directly affects state agencies, trail users, landowners (by prioritizing voluntary agreements over eminent domain for trail corridors), and communities through economic development opportunities. Key provisions include mandating statewide signage, mapping, flood management protocols, and clarifying that existing whitewater outfitter regulations remain unchanged.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Public Lands

All transportation bills