This is a non-binding House Resolution (HR 15), not a bill with legislative effect. It expresses the West Virginia House of Delegates' support for extending Interstate 68 from Morgantown, West Virginia, to Kent, West Virginia, then crossing into Ohio toward I-77 and I-75. The resolution urges federal, state, and local government bodies to secure funding for this corridor, which is framed as a project to boost economic growth and job creation in the Shale Crescent energy manufacturing region. It does not create new laws, funding, or requirements.
Senate Resolution 49 is a ceremonial resolution adopted by the West Virginia Senate on February 25, 2026, to formally commend volunteers for their efforts in recovering from the May 2025 flash flooding at Chief Logan State Park. It specifically recognizes community members, organizations, and local officials - including park staff, students, business leaders, and emergency personnel - who volunteered to clear debris, restore facilities, and support recovery under difficult conditions. The resolution expresses the Senate’s gratitude for their "extraordinary service" and "selfless dedication" but contains no new policy, funding, or legal obligations. As a symbolic gesture, it does not affect any laws or directly impact specific groups beyond acknowledging their contributions.
HB 5341 creates a public registry of domestic violence offenders in West Virginia, maintained by the State Police and accessible online. Individuals convicted of domestic violence against an intimate partner (with at least one prior conviction) or of sexual assault, abuse, or causing serious bodily injury must register and pay a $150 fee, with $50 funding family court services and $100 supporting domestic violence legal aid. The registry includes basic identifying details like name, date of birth, and conviction dates but excludes sensitive information such as addresses or Social Security numbers. Removal from the registry occurs after 5 years for one prior conviction, 10 years for two prior convictions or severe offenses, or for life with three or more prior convictions, applying to offenses occurring on or after July 1, 2026.
SB 795 allows parents, guardians, or custodians to pay for an independent medical evaluation of their child when the child is in temporary protective custody due to emergency medical needs. This bill explicitly clarifies that parents cannot be denied the right to obtain such an evaluation at their own expense, addressing a gap in current law. It directly affects families whose children are held in protective custody for medical reasons, ensuring they can seek a second medical opinion if desired. The key provision amends existing law to state this right clearly, without changing custody decisions or medical treatment requirements.
SB 792 would remove a requirement that the Supreme Court of Appeals provide magistrates with a current copy of the West Virginia Code. Currently, state law mandates that the administrative director of the Supreme Court supply each magistrate with a copy, which remains the state's property. This bill eliminates that provision, meaning the Supreme Court would no longer be obligated to distribute the code to magistrates. The change affects the administrative duties of the Supreme Court and how magistrates access the state's statutory law for their court work.
HB 4537 requires West Virginia municipalities and public service districts to determine the cost of extending water or sewer service to new customers and apply for state infrastructure grants to cover these costs. If grants are approved, the municipality must extend service after customers pay required fees, and grant funds must reimburse customers for upfront costs like application fees and service extension contributions. This directly affects potential customers seeking new service connections and municipalities managing utility infrastructure. The bill streamlines access to state funding to reduce customer financial barriers for service extensions.
HB 4591 adds school athletic directors to an existing West Virginia law recognizing certified professionals. It provides a salary bonus and reimbursement for certification expenses to athletic directors who hold a nationally recognized credential from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA). This aligns athletic directors with other certified school staff (like nurses and counselors) who already receive similar benefits for meeting national certification standards. The bill aims to encourage certification, support recruitment, and recognize professional development in school athletics. It does not create new funding but extends existing provisions to athletic directors.
HB 4663 repeals a West Virginia law (§60-7-8c) that required special licenses for multi-vendor private fairs and festivals where vendors share liability. This change directly affects event organizers hosting such gatherings by removing a licensing requirement. The bill eliminates the specific code section governing these licenses, including associated application processes and fees. The policy change simplifies regulations for organizers of events with multiple vendors sharing responsibility.
This bill requires West Virginia's Bureau for Social Services to officially file its entire policy manual - including all rules on Child Protective Services, foster care, youth services, licensing, and casework - as a legislative rule by July 1, 2026. Future updates to these policies must also be filed as amendments to this rule under state procedures. The law aims to make bureau policies transparent and subject to standard rulemaking processes, directly affecting how the agency operates. It does not change program eligibility or funding but ensures policies are formally documented and accessible.
This resolution formally recognizes Leadership Berkeley, a community organization in Berkeley County, West Virginia, for its work promoting civic engagement and community development. It acknowledges the group's role in bringing together diverse community members - from business, government, education, and other sectors - to address local issues through educational programs and dialogue. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the West Virginia Senate. The Senate directed the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Leadership Berkeley as a formal acknowledgment of their service.
This Senate Resolution (SR 46) designates February 24, 2026, as "West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Day" at the Legislature. It recognizes the work of employees across the Division’s facilities - including correctional officers, parole officers, medical staff, and support personnel - who manage correctional facilities, promote public safety, and support offender rehabilitation. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 24, 2026, via voice vote. It has no policy impact beyond this ceremonial recognition.
HB 5105 creates a legal cause of action for vulnerable individuals - including those in recovery, elderly persons (65+), protected persons, and incapacitated adults - who suffer financial exploitation. The bill defines "financial exploitation" as the intentional misuse of funds or assets through undue influence (excluding good-faith financial assistance) and prohibits defenses based solely on a legal relationship (e.g., being a guardian or attorney). Courts can issue protective orders, freeze assets, award increased damages, and impose stricter criminal penalties for violations - especially for repeat offenses or losses of $1,000+ - without requiring proof of criminal intent.
