SB 677 West Virginia Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Relating to professionals licensed by WV Board of Medicine

SB 677 establishes a new licensing framework for genetic counselors in West Virginia, requiring a valid license to practice and mandating criminal background checks for all applicants. It prohibits genetic counselors from representing themselves as licensed physicians, with violations punishable by up to two years in prison or a $2,000 fine. The bill also sets continuing education requirements, defines the scope of practice for genetic counselors, and creates separate disciplinary procedures under the West Virginia Board of Medicine.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 30, 2026 Last action Mar 5, 2026
Floor votes · Senate Mar 4, 2026

How they voted

293
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 33
Mar 4, 2026
D Democratic2
2 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican31
27 Yea 3 Nay 1
87% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
18
Key actions
2
Committee
4
Mar 5, 2026
Committee
To House Government Organization
lower
Mar 5, 2026
Committee
To Government Organization
lower
Mar 5, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate (Roll No. 338)
upper
Feb 26, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported do pass
upper
Jan 30, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Jan 30, 2026
Committee
To Health and Human Resources
upper
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors