Transportation (Roads & Highways)

introduced · West Virginia · Senate Jan 15, 2026

SB 407: Allowing orphan roads to be upgraded by certain entities

SB 407 allows homeowners' associations and similar entities to upgrade orphan roads at their own expense to qualify for inclusion in the state road system. To qualify, these roads must secure necessary rights-of-way - either through property owner dedication or by the entity donating funds to the state road fund for acquisition. The West Virginia Division of Highways can then accept the upgraded road for maintenance if it meets state standards. This bill directly affects groups maintaining orphan roads, defined as public roads not maintained by any government agency and without a responsible private owner.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEnables upgrading orphan roads for state maintenance, improving infrastructure quality and expanding road network coverage per bill's purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 27, 2026

HB 4841: Allow county commissions to formally petition the Division of Highways regarding the repair of local roads

HB 4841 allows county commissions in West Virginia to formally request the Division of Highways to prioritize repairs for local roads. County commissions must submit detailed petitions including road locations, condition, traffic volume, complaints, and repair cost estimates. The Division must respond within 90 days (with explanations for denials) and hold public hearings for repairs costing over $100,000. The bill requires the Division to annually report petition status to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance. This directly affects county governments and residents relying on local road infrastructure.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEnables counties to formally request road repairs with required responses and hearings, strengthening local infrastructure maintenance process.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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failed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 14, 2026

SB 691: Authorizing DOH to provide reimbursement for timely relocation of utilities

SB 691 amends West Virginia law to regulate how public utilities (like electric, gas, and telecom companies) must relocate their lines on state highway rights-of-way during road construction projects. It requires the Division of Highways to provide utilities with written notice (up to 18 months in advance) to remove or adjust lines, and mandates specific procedures for utilities to submit plans and work schedules. The bill also establishes a reimbursement process: if a utility lacks staff or resources to relocate lines itself, the Division of Highways may cover relocation costs using state road funds, with the utility repaying the state within two years. This directly affects utility companies and highway project timelines, ensuring clearer coordination and cost-sharing during infrastructure work.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRegulates utility coordination during highway construction to prevent project delays, strengthening transportation infrastructure efficiency and safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 14, 2026

HB 4264: Relating to authorizing the Division of Motor Vehicles to promulgate a legislative rule relating to special purpose vehicles.

HB 4264 authorizes the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles to establish a specific regulation (91 CSR 25) for special purpose vehicles, such as golf carts and off-road vehicles. This bill formally approves an existing regulatory rule that was previously filed, making it official under state law. The regulation would directly affect owners and operators of these vehicles by setting legal standards for their use.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAuthorizes DMV to establish safety standards for special vehicles (golf carts, off-road), enhancing regulatory framework for transportation safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 4, 2026

HB 4994: Relating to utility lines on the Division of Highways rights of way

HB 4994 requires utilities (like power and gas companies) to move or adjust their lines from state highway rights-of-way when needed for road construction projects. It mandates the state’s Highway Division to provide utilities with up to 18 months’ written notice and specific procedures for submitting relocation plans and work schedules. The bill also requires the state to reimburse utilities for work they must redo if highway project plans change after construction begins. Utilities are not held liable for delays caused by state schedule changes, incomplete right-of-way acquisitions, or extreme weather, as outlined in the bill.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRemoves utility line barriers for highway projects via clear relocation procedures and reimbursement, enabling smoother infrastructure development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4538: Regarding fines in DOH work zones

HB 4538 limits the use of photo/video speed enforcement equipment to West Virginia Division of Highways work zones. It requires two advance signs indicating photo enforcement, mandates a law enforcement officer's physical presence during violations, and sets strict evidentiary standards (including vehicle identification and a sworn officer statement). The bill prohibits automated enforcement outside work zones and restricts equipment use to state-owned devices or those in patrol/DOH vehicles. This applies to all state and local law enforcement using such technology in active highway construction areas where workers are present.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill regulates work zone speed enforcement with safety safeguards (signs, officer presence, evidence standards), enhancing transportation safety protocols in highway work zones.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 15, 2026

HB 4018: Enhancing Flood Resiliency Disbursements

HB 4018 amends West Virginia's Flood Resiliency Trust Fund rules to require that at least 50% of disbursements benefit low-income areas/households and 50% fund nature-based flood solutions (like wetland restoration or floodplain acquisition). It mandates that political subdivisions receiving funds must adopt specific flood mitigation measures, such as updated road standards, flood hazard bylaws, or FEMA-approved local emergency plans. The bill directly affects local governments, state agencies, and residents in flood-prone areas - particularly low-income households and communities with frequent flooding. All disbursements must align with the state’s Flood Resiliency Plan and require explicit approval from the State Resiliency Officer.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs 50% of Flood Resiliency Trust Fund disbursements to low-income areas and nature-based solutions, funding essential flood mitigation programs within fiscal management.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds nature-based solutions (wetland restoration) for flood resiliency, directly advancing environmental conservation and protection.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates updated road standards as part of flood mitigation, directly advancing transportation infrastructure resilience and safety standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Roads & Highways

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 22, 2026

HB 4728: To require motorists traveling 10 mph or more below the speed limit to activate hazard lights.

HB 4728 requires drivers on interstates and state highways to activate hazard lights when traveling more than 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. This law directly affects all motorists operating vehicles on designated highways who are driving significantly slower than the speed limit. The key provision mandates that hazard lights must be turned on in this specific situation to improve visibility. The bill aims to enhance road safety by making slower-moving vehicles more noticeable to other drivers.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates hazard lights for slow-moving vehicles to improve visibility and road safety on highways, directly enhancing transportation safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

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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

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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

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