Admitting localities or territories contiguous to borders into WV
SB 681 would allow localities (like towns, cities, or counties) contiguous to West Virginia's borders to join the state. To qualify, these areas must hold a binding referendum requiring majority voter approval, pay a $1 per capita tax to West Virginia based on the latest U.S. Census, and gain legislative approval through a simple majority vote in the state legislature. The bill also requires voter approval in the next general election for final admission, sets procedures for tax collection starting July 1, and provides transition periods for licensing and government compliance. This bill directly affects contiguous localities seeking state admission and outlines the formal process for their integration into West Virginia's governmental and fiscal systems.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 30, 2026
Last action Jan 30, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Jan 30, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Jan 30, 2026
Committee
To Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Chris Rose
RRepublican
Co
Patricia Rucker
RRepublican
Co
Tom Willis
RRepublican
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