SB 486 adds a definition for "master aesthetician" to West Virginia's licensing rules for the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. The bill amends §30-27-3 to clarify that a "master aesthetician" is a licensed professional who practices aesthetics beyond the standard "aesthetician" level (which requires 600 training hours). This definition directly affects individuals seeking advanced licensure in aesthetic services, such as skin treatments and cosmetic procedures. The change provides clarity for licensing applicants and the board without altering existing training requirements or service scope.
This bill requires West Virginia's State Treasurer to participate in a federal tax credit scholarship program. Specifically, the Treasurer must annually identify and publish a list of qualified nonprofit scholarship organizations operating in the state by December 1st, accept applications year-round for inclusion on this list, and certify the list for federal submission. It defines eligible schools (meeting existing WV requirements) and students (eligible for public school enrollment), allowing scholarship funds to cover standard K-12 education expenses under federal rules. The bill directly affects the State Treasurer's office, scholarship organizations seeking to participate, and students receiving scholarships under the program.
SB 689 modifies West Virginia's athletic eligibility rules for transfer students by limiting the grade levels where students can switch schools without losing eligibility. The bill requires the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission to update its rules so students in grades 9 and 10 (instead of grades 9-12) may transfer once and retain athletic eligibility. This change directly affects high school students who move schools, particularly those in ninth and tenth grade. The policy shifts the eligibility window to the first two years of high school, as specified in the bill's amendment to §18-2-25e. The Commission must implement this change by the 2026-2027 school year.
This House Resolution honors the life and legacy of the late West Virginia legislator Larry D. Kump, who passed away on February 28, 2026. The resolution formally expresses the House of Delegates' condolences to Kump's family and acknowledges his service as a representative for Berkeley County across three different terms. It recognizes his career in criminal justice and mediation, his commitment to limited government, and his role as a devoted family member and church leader. The document is a ceremonial tribute rather than a law that changes policy or affects public programs.
SB 802 requires West Virginia public schools to schedule two "Leave Teachers Alone" days before the school year begins, which teachers can use for activities that improve instruction. The bill prohibits county boards from requiring teachers to use school preparation days (for opening and closing) for any purpose other than those specific tasks. These changes directly affect public school teachers and county boards of education across West Virginia. The bill amends the state's school calendar law to give teachers more autonomy over professional development time without administrative mandates.
This bill adds "educational leave days" to West Virginia's list of excused absences, allowing up to five days per school year for approved educational activities (like field trips or workshops). Parents must submit a note within three days explaining the purpose, and schools can reject days that don't meet state-defined criteria. It directly affects students, parents, and school staff managing attendance records. The bill also clarifies that 4-H, FFA, and similar activities already count toward the existing 10-day limit for school-approved activities, so they aren't subject to the new educational leave cap.
SB 978 allows West Virginia municipalities currently using the Emergency Medical Services Retirement System (EMSR) for police and firefighters to join the Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System (MPFRS). It specifically enables municipalities to include only police and firefighters hired on or after July 1, 2015, in the MPFRS, while those hired before that date remain in the EMSR. Municipalities must elect to join by July 1, 2027, and must notify eligible employees within 30 days, giving them 90 days to choose to switch to the MPFRS. The bill requires the Consolidated Public Retirement Board to transfer assets and service credit from the EMSR to the MPFRS for employees who switch.
SB 972, or "Raylee's Law," temporarily restricts custodial parents or guardians from arranging home instruction for their child during an active West Virginia Department of Human Services (DHS) child abuse or neglect investigation where they are the alleged perpetrator. The law prohibits withdrawing a child from school for home instruction or resuming home instruction as the primary provider during the investigation. This restriction ends when DHS closes the case without substantiation or a court orders otherwise. The bill explicitly states it does not create a presumption of guilt, permanently ban home education, or limit court authority to order alternative educational placements for the child’s safety.
SB 979 requires West Virginia's Division of Highways to publish all road and bridge project bids exclusively on its website, removing the current requirement to advertise them in daily newspapers. This change directly affects the Division of Highways (which manages state road projects) and contractors bidding on construction or materials contracts for state roads. The bill modifies existing law to mandate website publication as the sole method for sharing bid details, while maintaining the 14-day advance notice period and $3,000 threshold for simplified bidding. This policy shift aims to modernize transparency by moving bid announcements from print media to a centralized digital platform.
SB 714 updates West Virginia's veterinary medicine regulations by clarifying licensing requirements and scope of practice for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and certified animal euthanasia technicians. The bill strictly prohibits using titles like "veterinarian" or "veterinary technician" without proper licensure or registration, and requires clear display of valid credentials. Key provisions include new telehealth guidelines, temporary permits for professionals, updated penalties for violations, and definitions to prevent misleading self-identification. It directly affects all veterinary service providers operating in the state and enhances enforcement authority for the Board of Veterinary Medicine.
SB 954 prohibits health insurers in West Virginia from denying coverage, increasing premiums, or canceling sickness, disability, or long-term care insurance policies solely because someone is a living organ donor. The bill applies to policies issued or renewed after July 1, 2026, and specifically bans insurers from: (1) refusing coverage based on donor status, (2) requiring donors to stop donating to maintain coverage, or (3) otherwise discriminating against donors in policy terms. It directly affects living organ donors and insurers regulated under West Virginia's health insurance laws. The legislation ensures donors cannot face financial penalties for their altruistic act through their health insurance.
SB 1029 requires West Virginia child protective services (CPS) workers to provide parents with plain-language statements of their rights at the start of an investigation. The bill mandates two specific documents: a "Plain-Language Statement of Immediate Rights" (covering rights like home privacy, refusing entry, and services) and a "Plain-Language Statement of Ongoing Rights" (covering confidentiality, file access, and appeal processes), both written in clear, 8th-grade level English. These documents must be provided on the first contact during a CPS investigation and documented in the case record. The bill directly affects parents involved in CPS cases by ensuring they receive accessible information about their legal rights throughout the process. It does not change CPS procedures but standardizes how rights are communicated to parents.
