SB 673 imposes a 3-cent tax per milligram of nicotine on all e-cigarette products sold in West Virginia, replacing a previous tax based on product type. This tax applies to both disposable (closed-system) and refillable (open-system) devices, with fallback rates (40mg per unit for disposables, 6mg/mL for refillables) if labeling is unclear. All revenue generated will be directed to the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) to reduce or stabilize state employees' health insurance premiums, without replacing existing employer contributions. The bill directly affects e-cigarette distributors and manufacturers in the state, effective July 1, 2026.
SB 681 would allow localities (like towns, cities, or counties) contiguous to West Virginia's borders to join the state. To qualify, these areas must hold a binding referendum requiring majority voter approval, pay a $1 per capita tax to West Virginia based on the latest U.S. Census, and gain legislative approval through a simple majority vote in the state legislature. The bill also requires voter approval in the next general election for final admission, sets procedures for tax collection starting July 1, and provides transition periods for licensing and government compliance. This bill directly affects contiguous localities seeking state admission and outlines the formal process for their integration into West Virginia's governmental and fiscal systems.
HB 4313 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy to establish a specific regulatory rule (15 CSR 16) concerning pharmacists. This rule was previously modified to address objections from the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee and refilled in the State Register. The bill formally approves the rule, allowing it to take effect as part of state regulations governing pharmacy practice. The rule directly affects pharmacists by setting the standards they must follow under state law.
HB 4315 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy to implement a specific regulatory rule (16 CSR 01) covering general provisions for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. The bill formally approves a rule that was previously modified by the Board to address legislative committee concerns and refiled in the State Register. This rule directly affects licensed physical therapists and assistants by establishing their regulatory requirements under state law. The bill does not create new policy but enables the Board to enforce an existing, approved regulatory framework.
HB 4309 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy to implement an existing rule (15 CSR 07) governing the registration of pharmacy technicians. This bill directly affects pharmacy technicians who must register to work in the state, as it approves the Board's proposed regulatory framework. The key mechanism is the Board's authority to enforce specific registration requirements, including qualifications and renewal processes, under the existing rule. The bill does not create new standards but formally authorizes the Board's previously proposed rule for implementation.
SB 682 authorizes West Virginia's Director of Natural Resources to create rules requiring motorboat operators with engines larger than 9.9 horsepower to run in idle mode on lakes designated for smaller boats. This directly affects boat operators using lakes where smaller engines (9.9 hp or less) are typically permitted. The bill enables the Director to establish these operational rules and impose fines for violations, without specifying exact lake locations or penalty amounts. It modifies existing law to give the Director authority to regulate motorboat operations on specific waterways, aligning with federal navigation standards. The policy change focuses on reducing noise and disturbance in designated quiet-lake areas.
HB 4321 authorizes West Virginia's Senior Services agency to create a formal rule (under 76 CSR 06) for a "shared table initiative" designed to support senior citizens. The bill specifically approves a rule already filed with the State Register on July 21, 2025, which would establish guidelines for this initiative. It does not create new program details but legally permits Senior Services to implement the rule. This procedural bill affects the agency and seniors participating in the initiative by enabling its formal adoption.
HB 4305 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine to formally adopt a specific legislative rule (24 CSR 02) governing osteopathic physician assistants. This rule, previously filed and modified after review by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee, establishes standards for these healthcare professionals. The bill directly affects osteopathic physician assistants and the Board by legally confirming the rule’s implementation without creating new policy. It is a procedural measure to finalize an existing rule, not a substantive policy change.
HB 4314 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy to adopt an official rule (15 CSR 19) governing inspections of pharmacies. This rule was previously drafted, modified after committee feedback, and submitted for approval. The bill directly affects pharmacies, which will be subject to inspections under this approved rule, without changing existing inspection standards. It is a procedural bill simply enabling the Board to implement an existing rule draft.
SB 196 updates the minimum liability insurance requirements that county boards of education must maintain to qualify for limited immunity when school property is used for community activities. It mandates $1 million in coverage per incident for bodily injury or property damage, plus $5 million in excess coverage, with all insurance required to be provided by a West Virginia-licensed company. Organizations using school property for community events must obtain this insurance (either privately or through the State Board of Risk and Insurance Management), which covers claims from negligence and includes attorney fees and court costs. The bill also clarifies that political advocacy groups are excluded from the definition of qualifying organizations.
HB 4363 allows the use of camera systems to enforce speed limits in active road construction zones on West Virginia public highways. It authorizes the state highway commissioner to set work zone speed limits and permits "work zone speed control systems" (cameras) as an exception to general bans on photo enforcement devices. The bill requires drivers to obey speed limits in work zones and specifies that cameras can only be used to assist law enforcement with speed enforcement, not for general traffic monitoring. It also sets rules for camera operation, including machine function restrictions and lawful use conditions. This directly affects drivers traveling through active highway construction sites and highway authorities managing work zone safety.
This bill allows classroom teachers who joined the West Virginia Teachers Retirement System on or after July 1, 2015, to sell up to 10 unused personal leave days to their county school board for a cash payment. Teachers would receive 80% of the rate paid to a substitute teacher with a bachelor's degree and 10 years of experience for each day sold, with payment required by June 30. Once sold, the leave days are forfeited and cannot be used for future absences.
