HB 4907 restricts the use of specific pesticides near schools in West Virginia. It prohibits applying pesticides containing paraquat, atrazine, dicamba, chlorpyrifos, 2,4-D, glyphosate, or PFAS chemicals within 1,000 feet of any school property. The law defines the 1,000-foot distance as measured from the school’s closest boundary point to the spraying area. This rule takes effect on January 1, 2027, directly affecting pesticide applicators working near schools.
SB 388 requires all public elementary and secondary schools in West Virginia to make the Aitken Bible available in fourth, eighth, and 10th grade social studies classrooms. Schools may only use private donations to obtain the Bible - public funds cannot be used for this purpose. The bill explicitly applies to public charter schools authorized under West Virginia law. This legislation mandates the availability of the Aitken Bible in specified grades while restricting funding sources for its distribution.
This is a symbolic resolution honoring Jeff and Jim Kochenderfer as West Virginia's Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year. It recognizes their 28-year stewardship of 223 acres of forestland in Randolph and Tucker counties, including restoring degraded land, implementing sustainable practices, and hosting educational tours for woodland owners. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a ceremonial honor with no funding, regulations, or direct effect on laws or individuals. It was adopted by the Senate via voice vote on February 2, 2026.
This bill amends West Virginia's drug scheduling laws to allow the legal prescription, distribution, and marketing of crystalline polymorph psilocybin if it receives FDA approval and DEA rescheduling. The legislation specifically targets this particular form of psilocybin, which is a type of psychedelic compound, and would permit its use under federal regulatory frameworks. The bill requires the state Board of Pharmacy to align West Virginia's controlled substance schedules with federal actions regarding this specific psilocybin variant. It does not change the scheduling status of other drugs or expand access to psilocybin beyond the specific FDA-approved crystalline polymorph form. The measure affects healthcare providers, pharmacies, and patients who might access this substance through approved medical channels.
This Senate Resolution (SR 14) formally recognizes James and Lucille Pennington of Bartow, West Virginia, for receiving the 2025 West Virginia Logger of the Year award. The resolution acknowledges their logging business, J & L Trucking, for demonstrating safety, community involvement, and excellence in forest management. It specifically highlights their family legacy in logging, commitment to safety, community donations, and support for the West Virginia Forestry Association. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any regulations.
This Senate Resolution (SR 23) designates February 2, 2026, as "Future Farmers of America Day" at the West Virginia Legislature. It recognizes the history and impact of the National FFA Organization, including its founding in 1928 and its current role serving over 7,489 students across 91 agricultural education programs in West Virginia. The resolution has been adopted by the Senate and directs the Clerk to send a copy to the West Virginia Farm Bureau. It is a ceremonial resolution with no new policy or funding provisions.
HB 5005 requires West Virginia public schools with self-contained special education classrooms to install video cameras in those classrooms and audio recording devices in the restrooms of those classrooms. Schools must provide written notice to parents (allowing an opt-out for bathroom audio monitoring) and staff before installation, and post a notice in restrooms about the audio recording. The bill also provides liability protection for school officials and employees using these devices, meaning lawsuits against them must meet a "clear and convincing evidence" standard. This applies to county boards of education and public charter schools, directly affecting how they implement these recording requirements in special education settings.
This bill modifies how West Virginia distributes funds from its Flood Resiliency Trust Fund to improve flood prevention and safety. It requires that at least 50% of all disbursements go to low-income areas and households, while another 50% must be used for nature-based solutions like floodplain restoration and property acquisition. The legislation also sets specific conditions for funding political subdivisions, requiring them to adopt updated road and bridge standards, flood hazard bylaws, local hazard mitigation plans, emergency operations plans, and meet FEMA community rating system requirements within 24 months. Ultimately, the State Resiliency Officer retains discretion over fund allocation but must follow these new prioritization rules and approval processes.
SB 684 exempts private, parochial, and church schools in West Virginia from the state's requirement to teach specific courses, including state and U.S. history, civics, the U.S. Constitution, and government structure. This bill removes these schools from the curriculum mandates that apply to public schools for those subjects and from Celebrate Freedom Week obligations. As a result, private, parochial, and denominational schools will no longer be subject to these course requirements under state law. Public schools will continue to be required to follow the existing curriculum standards for these subjects.
HB 4266 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Agriculture to implement established grading standards for apples (61 CSR 08). This procedural bill directly affects apple growers and processors who must comply with these quality standards for market sales. The legislation formally approves a rule previously modified by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee, ensuring the Department can enforce consistent apple grading requirements. It does not create new standards but authorizes the existing rule's implementation.
HB 4292 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Medicine to implement a specific legislative rule (11 CSR 01B) governing physician assistants. This rule covers licensure requirements, daily practice standards, disciplinary actions for complaints, and continuing education mandates. The bill directly affects physician assistants and healthcare facilities employing them by establishing standardized regulations for their professional practice and oversight. It does not create new laws but formally approves an existing proposed rule filed in July 2025.
HB 4282 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists to establish operational standards for schools teaching barbering, cosmetology, hair styling, nail technology, and aesthetics. The bill specifically approves a previously modified rule (3 CSR 04) that the Board had filed to set requirements for these schools' facilities, curriculum, and operations. This procedural bill directly affects beauty and cosmetology schools across West Virginia by mandating they meet these standardized operational criteria. It does not create new policy but formalizes an existing rulemaking process.
