HCR 4 requests West Virginia's Joint Committee on Technology & Infrastructure to establish a Genesis Working Group. This group will coordinate statewide planning for artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, digital infrastructure, and energy-based economic development, aligning with federal initiatives. The working group will focus on state readiness, energy-resource integration, broadband expansion, and site identification for digital infrastructure projects. The resolution does not create new laws but directs state agencies and legislators to collaborate on strategic planning.
HB 4318 authorizes West Virginia's Public Service Commission (PSC) to create rules governing the use of "customer-provided conduit" - physical infrastructure (like underground pipes or conduits) owned by property owners or businesses, not utility companies. The bill formally approves an existing rule (150 CSR 37) that the PSC filed in March 2025, giving it legal authority to manage how this customer-owned infrastructure can be occupied or utilized. This directly affects utility companies needing access to such conduit for installations and property owners maintaining it. The key provision is the PSC's formal rulemaking authority over conduit occupancy, aiming to clarify usage standards.
SB 688 creates a new criminal offense in West Virginia for recklessly harming or interfering with service animals that assist people with disabilities. It prohibits actions like striking, taunting, throwing objects at, or obstructing service animals - whether they are actively working or the offender knows the animal is a service animal. Violators face up to one year in jail, a $500 fine, or both, plus full restitution for costs including veterinary care, replacement animal expenses, and lost income for the handler. The bill directly affects service animal handlers and anyone who harms these animals during their duties.
HB 5006 clarifies that legal textbooks, scholarly articles, and other secondary sources (like treatises) are not binding law or public policy in West Virginia. It states these materials can only be used as persuasive guidance when they align with existing state law, not to create or change legal rights. The bill also allows circuit courts to submit "first impression" legal questions - about new causes of action or rights - to the Supreme Court for formal guidance. This directly affects judges, lawyers, and courts handling cases involving novel legal interpretations.
HB 4431 requires West Virginia's Parkways Authority to obtain approval from both the Legislature and Governor before issuing new bonds for parkway projects. It also mandates that tolls on parkways must be removed six months after the bonds used for construction are fully paid off. The bill restricts bond proceeds to only parkway projects (not economic development or tourism initiatives) and clarifies that bonds can be issued for highways using Appalachian Regional Commission funds. This ensures legislative oversight of bond issuances and creates a clear timeline for toll removal.
HB 4308 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy to establish a rule governing mail-order and non-resident pharmacies (pharmacies based outside West Virginia). The rule, previously proposed in 2025 and revised to address legislative feedback, sets standards for these pharmacies operating in the state. This bill directly affects mail-order and out-of-state pharmacies by requiring them to comply with the rule when serving West Virginia residents. It provides the legal authority for the Board to implement the rule without altering its content.
HB 4622 reorganizes the Office of the Inspector General by removing it from the Department of Health and eliminating the requirement for the Department of Health to provide administrative support. The bill clarifies that the Inspector General can independently conduct performance, financial, and other audits of the Department of Human Services, Department of Health, and Department of Health Facilities (including their contractors). It also requires the Inspector General to submit reports and notify prosecutors/law enforcement if criminal violations are suspected during investigations. This procedural bill directly affects the Inspector General’s operational structure and oversight authority over specific state health and human services agencies.
SB 680 would repeal West Virginia's personal income tax and corporate net income tax. It directly affects all West Virginia residents (who pay personal income tax) and corporations operating in the state (which pay corporate net income tax). The bill eliminates these taxes for income earned after January 1, 2028, while requiring collection of existing tax liabilities for years ending before December 31, 2027. The repeal takes effect July 1, 2026, with the State Tax Commissioner managing final filings and refunds for prior tax years.
HB 4274 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Architects to implement a specific fee structure for architect registration. The bill formally approves a previously modified rule (2 CSR 03) that the Board had developed, which outlines registration fees for architects seeking to practice in the state. This rule, adjusted to address legislative committee feedback, directly affects licensed architects and those applying for registration by setting their required fees. The bill does not establish new fees but authorizes the Board to enforce the existing fee schedule through official rulemaking.
HB 4287 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling to establish specific rules for licensed professional counselor license renewal and continuing education requirements. This bill directly affects licensed professional counselors in West Virginia by defining the standards they must meet to maintain their active licenses. The rule, referenced as 27 CSR 03, will govern how counselors fulfill renewal criteria and complete required continuing education hours. The bill does not change the requirements themselves but enables the board to formally implement and enforce them.
HB 5001 prohibits employers from terminating an employee who uses reasonable and proportionate force (including deadly force in specific circumstances) to defend themselves or others from an attack at their workplace. The bill amends West Virginia law to explicitly protect employees from adverse employment actions - such as termination - solely for using force that reasonably prevents imminent death or serious bodily harm. It specifies that deadly force may be used without a duty to retreat only if an employee reasonably believes it is necessary to save themselves or others from imminent lethal harm. The protection does not apply if the employee was committing a felony, provoked the attack, or was otherwise engaging in unlawful activity. This bill directly affects all employees in West Virginia workplaces who must defend against violent attacks.
HB 4310 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Pharmacy to create specific rules governing "pharmacist recovery networks." This bill directly affects pharmacists and pharmacy practices by enabling the Board to establish formal guidelines for these networks, which support pharmacists facing personal challenges. The key mechanism is the formal approval of a proposed rule (15 CSR 10) that was previously modified and refiled after review. This is a procedural bill that authorizes rulemaking without specifying the networks' operational details.
