HB 4053 establishes the "Blue Envelope Program" to improve communication between law enforcement and drivers with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or intellectual/developmental disabilities during traffic stops. Eligible drivers (with a valid license/permit) can request a specially designed blue envelope containing their license, registration, and emergency contact information, along with a vehicle decal and communication guidance for officers. The program, set to launch January 1, 2027, will be administered through the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, sheriff's offices, and police stations.
SB 136 requires healthcare providers (including doctors, nurses, and clinic staff) to report to West Virginia's DMV within 10 days when they diagnose a person over 15 with a mental or physical condition affecting driving safety. The law mandates that these reports include the individual's full name, date of birth, and address, and are kept confidential for the sole purpose of assessing driver medical competency. The DMV must use these reports to determine whether a license holder meets safety standards, but the information cannot be used in court trials except for incompetence proceedings. This bill, named "McKayla, Miranda, and Philip's Law," becomes effective July 1, 2026.
HB 4421 requires the West Virginia Parkways Authority to stop charging tolls on the West Virginia Turnpike once all bonds issued for the project (plus interest) have been fully paid or secured in trust. The bill mandates that toll collection must end within 90 days of the final bond payment, and all toll facilities must be removed. This directly affects drivers who use the Turnpike (by eliminating toll fees) and the Parkways Authority (which must cease toll operations). The Turnpike will then transfer to the state Division of Highways for maintenance at no cost to drivers.
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.
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.
SB 467 amends West Virginia law to establish enforcement for parking spaces reserved for Purple Heart recipients, which are currently designated but lack penalties for misuse. The bill creates new penalties for non-recipients who park in these reserved spaces, directly affecting Purple Heart recipients who rely on these accessible spots and violators who occupy them without authorization. The key mechanism adds enforcement procedures to ensure these spaces remain available for eligible veterans. This change updates existing parking privileges under §17C-13-6 without altering eligibility requirements.
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.
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.
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.
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.
