This bill clarifies and expands cooperation between law enforcement agencies within West Virginia and with agencies in neighboring states. It defines key terms such as "criminal justice enforcement personnel" and "law-enforcement agency" to establish who can participate in joint efforts. The legislation allows agency heads to request temporary assistance for investigations, including sharing personnel, equipment, and technical resources, with written requests required except in emergencies involving immediate danger to life. Personnel assigned to other agencies retain their original benefits and jurisdiction while operating under the operational command of the host agency's leadership. Agreements must be filed with local circuit clerks to remain in effect.
This bill updates the legal definitions and requirements for certified public accountants in West Virginia, affecting individuals seeking CPA certification, accounting firms, and the state Board of Accountancy. It clarifies key terms like "firm," "attestation services," and "affiliated entity" to align with current accounting standards and modernizes education, examination, and experience requirements for certification. The legislation also modifies the Board's rule-making authority and revises provisions regarding practice privileges for out-of-state practitioners, while updating rules on unlawful acts and disciplinary measures for licensees and firms.
This Senate Resolution (SR 26) formally congratulates Hurricane High School's boys soccer team for winning the inaugural 2025 AAAS Boys State Soccer Championship - the first championship in the new AAAS classification. It recognizes the team's 18-3-1 record, sportsmanship, and the role of coaches Kent Bailey and assistants in achieving this historic milestone. The resolution contains no policy changes or funding; it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment adopted by the Senate on February 4, 2026.
SB 734 updates the filing fee structure for time-share developers in West Virginia. It sets an initial filing fee at $500 plus $1 per time-share period (capped at $1,500 total) and requires a $250 fee for changes that add inventory to public offering statements. These fees apply to developers submitting time-share sales documents to the state division. The bill also clarifies procedural timelines for fee payments and document reviews, directly affecting time-share developers who must comply with these filing requirements.
SB 736 requires West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue a free temporary identification card to eligible released inmates no earlier than seven days before their release. The card is valid for 180 days and has the same legal standing as a standard DMV ID, enabling released inmates to prove identity, age, and residency when applying for new IDs or driver's licenses. Eligibility excludes inmates who already hold a valid West Virginia ID or driver's license expiring more than 30 days after release, or non-U.S. citizens. The bill also mandates collaboration between Corrections and DMV to verify Social Security numbers for applicants lacking other documentation.
SB 735 would eliminate West Virginia's corporate net income tax over a four-year period by reducing the tax rate annually until it reaches zero. The bill applies to corporations conducting business in the state, excluding those already exempt under current law. The key mechanism is a scheduled annual reduction in the tax rate, with the tax fully phased out by the end of the four-year period. This change would remove a direct tax on corporate profits, altering the state's primary revenue source for business taxation.
SB 743 creates an exemption from standard opioid prescription limits for mid-level providers (like nurse practitioners and physician assistants) working in hospice care. It requires these providers to be licensed, employed exclusively by licensed hospice providers, and supervised by a physician medical director. The exemption allows them to prescribe Schedule II opioids without the usual 30-day supply limits in hospice settings, while maintaining all other existing prescription rules for non-hospice care. This change specifically applies to hospice patients receiving palliative care, aligning with current exceptions for hospice services.
SB 739, the "Protecting Shareholders Act," establishes that corporate directors and officers in West Virginia breach their fiduciary duty if they prioritize "environmental, social, and governance" (ESG) factors over shareholders' financial interests. The bill defines ESG to include diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and specifies that DEI efforts must not involve race-, ethnicity-, or national origin-based hiring, benefits, or programs unless required by law. It states that prioritizing ESG elements (like DEI or environmental goals) over financial returns to shareholders is "prima facie evidence" of a fiduciary breach. The law directly affects corporate leaders in West Virginia who manage publicly traded or private companies subject to fiduciary duties. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.
SB 740 allows brewers in West Virginia to create custom-labeled nonintoxicating beer (under 0.5% alcohol) for specific retailers, such as labels featuring local landmarks, sports events, or weddings. It requires commissioner approval for all private labels and prohibits designs appealing to people under 21 or encouraging drinking. The bill limits annual production to 1,000 cases (288,000 ounces), mandates brewers pay all taxes, and bans discounted pricing or cross-promotion between brewers and retailers. This exception modifies existing labeling rules to support tourism and the brewing industry while maintaining strict content and quantity controls.
This ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 27) designates February 4, 2026, as "West Virginia University Day" at the West Virginia Capitol. It recognizes West Virginia University (WVU) as the state's flagship land-grant institution, highlighting its educational programs, extension services, and community impact across all 55 counties. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves only as symbolic recognition, directing the Senate Clerk to send a copy to WVU leadership. It was adopted unanimously by voice vote on February 4, 2026.
HB 5187 changes how West Virginia's Public Service Commission members are selected, shifting from gubernatorial appointments to non-partisan statewide elections starting July 1, 2026. Initial elections will feature staggered terms (two, four, and six years), with all future members serving six-year terms. The bill also requires utilities to provide customers with notice of proposed rate increases and increases the discount rate for low-income residents on utility costs. These changes directly affect utility consumers, Commission members, and utility companies operating in West Virginia.
HB 5167, the Taxpayer Accountability for Public Service Act, requires candidates for any elected local, state, or public office in West Virginia to prove they have paid all personal property taxes or are in an approved payment plan. It mandates that candidates submit tax compliance certification when filing to run, and election officials must verify this with tax authorities before certifying candidates for the ballot. Exceptions allow candidates with approved payment plans or pending tax challenges to run. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage, with disqualification for false filings and removal from ballots for unpaid taxes without valid exceptions.
