This bill requires West Virginia's Division of Highways to provide the public with 48 hours' advance notice of non-emergency construction-related traffic changes (such as lane closures or detours) through local media and social media platforms. It directly affects drivers and commuters who encounter road construction, ensuring they receive timely information about planned traffic disruptions. The notice requirement does not apply to emergency situations requiring immediate traffic adjustments. The bill amends existing traffic control regulations to mandate this transparency.
HB 5208 establishes the "Child Protective Services Due Process and Child Protection Act" in West Virginia, directly affecting parents and children involved in child abuse and neglect cases investigated by Child Protective Services (CPS). The bill requires all CPS testimony to be sworn under oath, prohibits removing children without a court order (except for immediate physical danger), and mandates higher evidence standards: probable cause for emergency removals, clear and convincing evidence for custody decisions, and proof beyond a reasonable doubt for termination of parental rights. It also bans poverty-based removals, guarantees parents legal counsel upon any removal, and requires CPS to provide quarterly public reports on their activities. The law takes effect July 1, 2027.
HB 5239 raises West Virginia's minimum base salary for public school teachers to $50,000 annually, directly affecting all teachers in the state's public school system. The bill amends the state's salary schedule to establish $50,000 as the new minimum starting point for all teachers, regardless of experience level or degree. This change replaces the current lowest salary tier (which was $36,597 for entry-level teachers with zero experience) with a uniform $50,000 floor across all teaching positions. The policy applies to all school districts and takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year.
HB 5202 updates West Virginia law to expand access to state funding for public water utilities regulated by the Public Service Commission. It permits the Water Development Authority to provide loans and grants - including to non-governmental public utilities - to address infrastructure needs, particularly for systems serving disadvantaged communities or facing financial distress. The bill establishes specific funding streams, such as the Critical Needs and Failing Systems Sub Account and Distressed Utilities Account, with defined eligibility criteria for utilities seeking assistance. These changes streamline how utilities can access capital for compliance with drinking water standards while clarifying the Authority’s role in enforcing loan agreements.
HB 5236 requires county commissions to inspect all ballot tabulating equipment one week before in-person voting to confirm no internet connectivity (no modems or SIM cards installed) and that equipment is properly sealed. It also mandates the Secretary of State to randomly audit 10% of tabulating equipment in at least five counties 14 days before elections, verifying the same internet connectivity requirements. Both inspections require detailed written reports documenting findings, including verification of no internet components, sealing status, and any necessary corrective actions. This bill directly affects county election officials and the Secretary of State by adding mandatory pre-election verification steps to enforce existing law prohibiting internet-connected voting equipment.
House Bill 5238 requires all health insurance plans in West Virginia (both public and private) to cover screening for adverse childhood experiences during routine preventative child wellness visits. For children without health insurance, the State Department of Education must create school-based screening programs through local schools. The bill defines adverse childhood experiences as traumatic events in childhood that increase the risk of chronic health conditions like obesity, heart disease, and respiratory illness. This law directly affects health insurance providers and school systems by mandating accessible screenings to address early childhood trauma.
HB 5226 amends West Virginia law to permanently prohibit the refund of filing fees paid by candidates for any elected office. The bill affects all candidates who pay fees under §3-5-8, including those running for statewide offices, judges, county officials, and party committee positions. It specifically states that fees paid - whether for president, governor, sheriff, or party committee roles - will not be returned if a candidate withdraws or fails to appear on the ballot. This change applies to all filing fees described in the existing statute, with no exceptions. The bill does not alter the fee amounts themselves but makes refunds impossible.
HB 5241 requires health insurers in West Virginia to cover specific breast cancer screenings starting January 1, 2026. It mandates annual mammograms for women aged 40+ and baseline mammograms for women 30-39, with additional annual screenings for those under 40 who have family history or risk factors. The bill also requires insurers to cover comprehensive ultrasound screenings when mammograms show dense breast tissue (per American College of Radiology guidelines) or for high-risk patients. Additionally, it mandates that mammography facilities notify patients about breast density and associated risks, providing educational materials without creating new legal obligations for providers.
HB 5261 updates West Virginia's laws on seizing property involved in criminal activity. It specifies that when someone is convicted of a crime involving contraband (such as drugs, tax-evading tobacco, or equipment used to manufacture illegal substances), the court can order forfeiture of the crime's proceeds, property traceable to those proceeds, and items used to commit the crime (like vehicles, containers, or records). The bill includes new protections for innocent property owners, such as allowing vehicle owners to keep their property if they didn’t know it was used for illegal activity. It also establishes clear rules for handling seized property, including requirements for returning property to owners and restrictions on selling forfeited items.
HB 5220 clarifies who may be present near polling places during elections for normal non-voting activities, such as business operations or routine tasks. It explicitly states that people conducting legitimate business or engaging in activities that normally occur at polling places (like retail or services) may remain within 100 feet of the entrance, as long as they do not engage in electioneering. The bill also specifies that vehicles delivering voters may stop within 100 feet to drop off passengers (including those with disabilities) but must move away after discharge. It does not change existing restrictions on electioneering or voting procedures. The bill aims to remove ambiguity for businesses and residents near polling locations during election periods.
HB 5240 creates a specific license for foreign corporations to temporarily import and sell non-alcoholic beer (less than 0.5% alcohol) in West Virginia. It requires foreign brewers to apply with business documents (like a certificate of authority and charter), pay a $1,500 annual fee, and register all product container labels with the state for review. The license applies to businesses not based in West Virginia but seeking to sell non-alcoholic beer in the state, with annual renewal required. This bill modifies existing licensing rules to formally include foreign brewers in the state’s non-alcoholic beer regulatory framework.
HB 5222 increases fees for certified mail service of process (legal document delivery) to defendants in West Virginia. It specifically raises fees for shipping and handling when serving legal papers via certified mail, while exempting foreign veteran-owned businesses from these increased costs. The bill amends the Secretary of State’s fee schedule to implement these changes, affecting defendants served through this method. This is a procedural fee adjustment with no broader policy changes beyond the specified fee structure.
