SB 194 updates the definition of "disabled veteran taxpayer" in West Virginia's property tax law to clarify eligibility for the disabled veteran real property tax credit. The bill specifies that a qualifying veteran must have a 90% or greater service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or meet VA eligibility for individual unemployability due to service-related injuries since September 11, 2001. This change directly affects veterans seeking the property tax credit, ensuring only those with the required VA determinations qualify. The bill does not alter the tax credit amount or eligibility for other benefits, focusing solely on refining the definition for administrative clarity.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 1) requests the West Virginia Division of Highways to rename specific bridges and road segments after military veterans and community members. It directly affects the Division of Highways, which would implement the proposed names for 15+ existing infrastructure locations across 10 counties. The resolution specifies exact locations (e.g., a bridge in Wayne County to be called the "Hercie Maynard Memorial Bridge" or a section of WV Route 10 as the "Purple Heart Trail") without creating new laws or funding. It is purely a naming request, not a policy change, and honors individuals with military service or local significance. The resolution was quickly adopted by both legislative chambers in January 2026.
HB 4880, "The Deployed Servicemembers Protection Act," protects West Virginia service members deployed for 30+ days (including National Guard on state duty) and their families. It prohibits spouses from selling property/vehicles over $10,000, closing joint accounts, withdrawing over 50% from accounts, or removing children without the service member’s written consent during deployment and for two months afterward. The bill also requires returning children to the home of record within one week of the service member’s return. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to 30 days in jail, $5,000 fines, or civil liability. The law incorporates existing federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protections.
This bill amends West Virginia law to maintain a program exempting honorably discharged U.S. military veterans from vehicle registration fees, with only a $10 initial application fee required. It directly affects veterans, their surviving spouses (who may continue using a deceased veteran's plate), and Gold Star spouses (who receive full fee exemption for one plate). Key provisions include waiving all registration fees beyond the $10 application fee for eligible veterans, allowing multiple vehicles per applicant, and requiring verification of military service. The bill preserves existing special plate options rather than creating a new "Veterans" plate designation.
HB 4386 removes the 35-year maximum age limit for new applicants seeking appointment to paid fire departments in West Virginia. This change directly affects individuals over 35 who wish to join a fire department as new hires, eliminating the current restriction in §8-15-17(d) of state law. The bill amends the application requirements to allow anyone aged 18 or older to apply, while maintaining existing exceptions for veterans (up to age 40) and reinstated former firefighters. Key provisions include deleting the age cap but preserving retirement system rules for applicants moving between departments. The bill does not alter the 18-year minimum age requirement or the existing veteran/reinstatement exceptions.
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HCR 3 is a House Concurrent Resolution requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways to rename specific infrastructure projects with memorial names honoring veterans and community members. It directs the naming of 15 bridges and road segments across multiple counties, including the "John and Virginia Skidmore Memorial Bridge" over Route 79 in Braxton County and the "U.S. Army CPL Benny Franklin Shifflett Memorial Bridge" over the West Fork River in Lewis County. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but formally proposes these memorial names for official use on state infrastructure. This procedural resolution affects the Division of Highways' naming practices and honors individuals with military service or community ties.
HB 4014, the Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act, creates a state-run micro-credential program to recognize skills gained through project-based learning (like critical thinking or trade skills) outside traditional classroom settings. It expands tax credits for businesses funding apprenticeships, modifies tax rules to allow portable benefits contributions for independent contractors without creating employer-employee relationships, and removes proficiency exam requirements for military-trained individuals seeking professional licenses. The bill directly affects workers (especially in skilled trades), employers, training programs, and veterans pursuing licenses. Key mechanisms include standardizing micro-credential recognition across education and employers, and streamlining licensing for military veterans. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee after passing the Education Committee.
HB 4437 allows Gold Star parents (mothers or fathers of veterans killed in combat) to receive one free vehicle registration plate for personal use. The bill amends West Virginia law to exempt Gold Star parents from all registration fees for a single Gold Star Family license plate, which is already available to surviving spouses under existing rules. This change directly affects eligible parents who qualify under the definition of "Gold star parent" (per 10 U.S.C. § 1126), waiving standard registration costs for one vehicle. The provision builds on the current Gold Star Family plate program without creating new fees or requirements.
HB 4399 clarifies the definition of a "disabled veteran taxpayer" in West Virginia law to ensure consistency for property tax benefits. The bill specifically adds that a disabled veteran must have a 90% or greater service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or qualify for individual unemployability under VA disability ratings. This change directly affects disabled veterans who seek the property tax credit authorized under §11-13MM-4 of the code, as it defines eligibility more precisely. The bill does not alter tax rates or create new benefits, but ensures the existing credit applies only to veterans meeting the clarified VA disability standard.
SB 204 amends West Virginia's Military Incentive Program to extend eligibility to all veterans (not just Vietnam/Korean conflict veterans or specific disabled veterans) and updates program definitions. It designates WorkForce West Virginia as the sole agency administering the program and establishes rulemaking authority. The bill updates key terms like "economically disadvantaged" to align with current federal poverty standards and removes era-specific restrictions. These changes aim to simplify access to the program, which provides tax credits to private employers hiring eligible veterans.
