Transportation

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 690: Creating alternative DOH procurement procedure

SB 690 creates a new "general contractor/construction manager" (GCM) procurement method for West Virginia's Division of Highways (DOH) to use on highway, bridge, and infrastructure projects. This alternative procedure, authorized under federal law (23 U.S.C. 112), would allow the DOH to bypass traditional design-build bidding requirements for eligible projects. The bill directs the DOH to develop specific rules for implementing GCM agreements, including conditions and terms for entering such contracts. The change would primarily affect highway construction contractors and the DOH's project delivery process, offering a streamlined option for project procurement. The bill is currently in the Senate Transportation Committee for review.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates alternative procurement method for highway/bridge infrastructure projects, enabling efficient project delivery under federal law to advance transportation infrastructure development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 74: Establishing criminal offense of obstructing highway or other passageway

SB 74 (introduced by Senator Thorne) creates a new criminal offense for intentionally blocking public highways, streets, sidewalks, or other public passageways without legal authority. It defines "obstruct" as making passage impassable or unreasonably inconvenient/hazardous, and penalizes violations as a misdemeanor (fines of $500+ or up to 1 year in jail). Aggravated cases - such as blocking emergency vehicles, hospitals, or repeat offenses - become felonies with penalties of $1,000+ fines or 1-3 years in prison. The bill directly affects individuals who obstruct public routes (e.g., during protests or accidents) and law enforcement tasked with enforcing it.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense with penalties, expanding criminalization (indicates 'oppose' per indicators). No reform or rights protections mentioned.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill criminalizes highway obstruction to enhance road safety and prevent hazards, directly advancing transportation infrastructure protection and public safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement Roads & Highways

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

HB 4718: Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act

HB 4718, the Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act, requires nonresident commercial truck drivers operating in West Virginia to present a valid work visa and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport) while driving. It also mandates that drivers demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to communicate with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to officials, and complete required records. Commercial motor carriers face $3,000 fines per violation if their drivers fail to meet these requirements, while drivers operating without compliance risk a misdemeanor charge with fines up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail. The bill additionally allows the state to adopt the FMCSA's Even Exchange Program, waiving skills tests for military drivers with relevant experience and certain first responders.

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationRequires nonresident truck drivers to present work visas and citizenship proof, restricting immigrant access to commercial driving jobs.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires safety measures for commercial drivers (visa, citizenship, English proficiency) to enhance road safety compliance, directly advancing transportation safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Citizenship & Naturalization Driver Licenses & IDs Driver Licensing Freight

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

HB 4464: Relating generally to Underground Facilities Damage prevention

HB 4464 creates an Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Board to enforce rules preventing damage to underground infrastructure like gas pipelines, water mains, and telecom lines during excavation work. It defines key terms (such as "damage," "excavator," and "underground facility") and requires excavators to notify operators before digging. The bill specifies that civil penalties collected by the Board for violations must stay with the Board for its operations, rather than returning to the state general fund. This directly affects contractors, utility operators, and anyone performing excavation work in West Virginia.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationPrevents damage to underground infrastructure (pipelines, utilities) critical for transportation safety and operations, aligning with infrastructure protection indicators.92% confidence

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 Jan 26, 2026

HB 4808: Federally Approved Project Delivery Methods for Airport Capital Improvement Projects

This bill 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). It specifically authorizes these methods when they meet FAA safety and design standards, streamlining procurement for projects like terminal upgrades or runway construction. The bill affects airport authorities managing FAA-funded projects, ensuring compliance with federal requirements satisfies state procurement rules. It does not change funding levels but adjusts how projects can be delivered.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEnables streamlined procurement for FAA-funded airport infrastructure projects, advancing transportation infrastructure development through approved delivery methods.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Airports

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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 16, 2026

HB 4420: Relating generally to West Virginia Parkways Authority.

HB 4420 increases the West Virginia Parkways Authority's membership from seven to eleven members by adding two representatives each from Kanawha, Fayette, Raleigh, and Mercer counties. The bill maintains existing representation with two members from each congressional district and one at-large public member, while expanding regional coverage to include these specific counties. This change directly affects the authority's governance structure, ensuring county-level representation in its decision-making. The bill also includes standard provisions for member terms, qualifications, and administrative procedures, without altering the authority's core responsibilities.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExpands Parkways Authority membership to include additional county representation, enhancing regional input for transportation governance and infrastructure decision-making.85% confidence

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

HB 4262: Relating to authorizing the Division of Motor Vehicles to promulgate a legislative rule relating to motor vehicle equipment.

HB 4262 authorizes the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles to establish a rule (91 CSR 11) setting standards for motor vehicle equipment. This rule, filed in the State Register on July 24, 2025, will directly affect vehicle owners, manufacturers, and dealers by requiring compliance with new equipment specifications. The bill formally approves the rule's implementation without changing its content, making it legally enforceable. It is a procedural measure to finalize an existing regulatory proposal.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill authorizes safety-related vehicle equipment standards (91 CSR 11), enhancing transportation safety through enforceable regulations.85% confidence

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