HB 4430 would eliminate the West Virginia Parkways Authority's power to issue new parkway revenue bonds, parkway revenue refunding bonds, or special obligation bonds after July 1, 2026. This means the Authority cannot raise additional funds for future parkway projects through these bonds after that date. The bill does not affect existing bonds or projects already funded prior to July 1, 2026. It amends specific sections of West Virginia law to set this expiration date for new bond issuances.
This bill amends West Virginia's dog racing licensing rules. It removes requirements that racetrack applicants must host a minimum number of live racing dates to obtain or maintain a license or to secure telecast wagering contracts. The bill also allows racetracks to operate simulcast racing (live races shown via video) without conducting any live dog racing, and simplifies licensing for video lottery operations at these venues. These changes directly affect dog racetracks seeking licenses or renewing operations, particularly those transitioning away from live racing.
HB 4987 requires all West Virginia public schools serving students in grades K-12 to provide annual evidence-based social inclusion training (at least one hour per year), and schools serving grades 6-12 must also provide annual youth violence prevention training (at least one hour per year). The West Virginia Department of Education must develop and maintain publicly available lists of proven effective programs for both trainings, including no-cost options, with updates every 36 months. Schools may optionally form student-led violence prevention clubs focused on awareness and leadership, though public charter and nonpublic schools can opt out of the training requirements. The bill encourages seeking state or federal funding to cover implementation costs but does not mandate new state spending.
SB 627 amends West Virginia's Build WV Act to reform tax credit eligibility for residential housing projects. It replaces project cost calculations with a new cap on tax credit liability for new approvals, specifically allowing smaller projects in designated rural areas to qualify. The bill requires annual adjustments to the program based on demand and establishes a dedicated Build WV Credit Reserve Fund to manage these changes. This directly affects developers seeking tax credits for new residential construction or rehabilitation of unoccupied housing, clarifying which project expenses (like construction, utilities, and materials) qualify while excluding costs covered by other incentives.
HB 4285 authorizes the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board to formally adopt and implement a specific regulatory rule (28 CSR 02) related to the state's Contractor Licensing Act. This procedural bill does not change licensing requirements but grants official approval for a rule the Board had already proposed and filed in the State Register on July 25, 2025. It directly affects licensed contractors and the Board's administrative process for enforcing licensing standards. The bill simply authorizes the Board to move forward with the rule they had previously submitted.
HB 4295 authorizes the Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board of Examiners to create and enforce rules about continuing education requirements for medical imaging and radiation therapy technologists in West Virginia. The bill formally approves an existing rule (18 CSR 02) that the Board filed in the State Register on June 3, 2025, making it official under state law. This rule would govern the continuing education hours or content these healthcare professionals must complete to maintain their licenses. The change directly affects licensed technologists in these fields by setting standardized education requirements for license renewal.
This bill grants municipal fire marshals in West Virginia the authority to assist law enforcement officers in carrying out their official duties. It allows fire marshals to arrest individuals who disobey lawful orders at fire scenes, violate arson or explosive offense prohibitions, obstruct a fire marshal, or fail to obey lawful commands, provided they receive required law enforcement training. The legislation also permits fire marshals to file criminal complaints to obtain arrest warrants and clarifies that assistance to federal law enforcement is subject to specific limitations. Additionally, fire marshals may help other law enforcement officers execute their duties when requested, but must work under the direct supervision of the requesting officer.
HB 4422 permits eighth and ninth-grade students in West Virginia public schools to attend summer school specifically to improve their grades and meet academic eligibility requirements for extracurricular activities (such as sports) in the following fall. The bill amends existing law to explicitly allow this pathway, ensuring students who need grade improvement can participate in summer programs without interference with the regular school year. It does not change summer school program structure or funding but directly affects 8th and 9th graders who risk losing activity eligibility due to academic standing.
SB 695 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Commerce to implement a specific rule (145 CSR 20) that sets requirements for certifying microgrid districts and high impact data centers. The rule, which was modified to address legislative feedback and refilled in the state register on January 29, 2026, outlines the process for these certifications. This bill makes the rule legally effective, directly affecting businesses and organizations in West Virginia seeking these certifications.
HB 4288 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Examiners in Counseling to implement a specific licensing rule for marriage and family therapists. The bill formally approves the "27 CSR 08" rule (previously modified after committee feedback) that outlines licensing requirements for these professionals. This rule directly affects individuals seeking or renewing their marriage and family therapist licenses in West Virginia. The bill itself does not change the licensing standards but provides official authorization for the Board's proposed rule to take effect.
HB 4286 authorizes the Board of Examiners in Counseling to implement a revised licensing rule (27 CSR 01) that was modified to address legislative concerns. This rule establishes specific requirements for counselors seeking or renewing their licenses in West Virginia, including qualifications and renewal processes. The bill does not create new policy but formalizes an existing regulatory framework for the counseling profession.
HB 4268 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to implement a specific licensing rule (61 CSR 11H) for livestock dealers. This rule sets requirements for businesses that buy, sell, or transport livestock, directly affecting those operating in this sector. The bill formally approves a revised rule that was previously modified to address legislative committee concerns. It does not create new licensing standards but allows the Department to enforce existing requirements through this authorized rule.
