Senate Bill 618 prohibits West Virginia state and local public funds from supporting postsecondary degree programs identified as having "low-earning outcomes" under federal standards. It requires the Higher Education Policy Council to adopt rules blocking state funding - covering student aid, operational costs, grants, and facilities - from such programs and to annually report on blocked programs and fiscal impacts. This directly affects public universities and colleges receiving state funding, as well as students enrolled in designated programs. The bill implements a policy change by tying state education funding eligibility to graduate earnings data, rather than program content or accreditation.
HB 4840 exempts federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) from prior authorization requirements for behavioral health services. This bill amends specific sections of West Virginia law (including §5-16-7f) to clarify that FQHCs - community health clinics serving underserved areas - do not need prior approval from insurers for these services. The key mechanism is a direct exemption in the prior authorization process, removing a bureaucratic hurdle for FQHCs to provide mental health and substance use treatment. This change directly affects FQHCs and their patients by streamlining access to behavioral health care without altering prior authorization rules for other providers.
HB 4848 requires individuals and organizations spending over $1,000 on election-related activities (like ads supporting or opposing candidates) to disclose detailed information about their spending. This includes listing the names, addresses, occupations, and employers of contributors who gave more than $1,000 for the purpose of the spending, with specific details for individuals and entities. The bill also mandates that last-minute spending (within 12 hours of an election) must be reported within 24 hours. The Secretary of State will compile and publish these disclosures by candidate to increase transparency in election financing.
HB 4845 (West Virginia) creates new state-level criminal offenses for "illegal entry into the state" and "illegal reentry," directly affecting individuals entering West Virginia without legal authorization. Key provisions establish penalties for these offenses, prohibit probation or parole for convictions, require the Criminal Identification Bureau to maintain records of such entries, and grant immunity to officials enforcing these provisions. The bill also mandates court procedures for deportation orders and ensures prosecution continues regardless of federal immigration status. It does not address border security but defines state-level criminal liability for unauthorized entry.
SB 623, titled the "West Virginia-Powered Data Center Incentive Act," creates new economic incentives for *new* data centers to locate in West Virginia by offering reduced property taxes and a tax credit for coal-fired electric utilities supplying them with power. To qualify, data centers must meet specific eligibility criteria and apply through a state process, with incentives requiring ongoing compliance to avoid recapture. The bill aims to attract data center investment to generate jobs, boost economic growth, and support West Virginia's coal industry by leveraging its coal-generated electricity infrastructure.
This bill prohibits minors under 18 from attending venues displaying sexually explicit content without parental accompaniment. It amends penalties for indecent exposure near minors and creates exemptions for private venues like restaurants, sports stadiums, and private clubs that meet specific operational requirements. The law specifically targets venues where "obscene matter or sexually explicit conduct" occurs, with penalties including fines up to $500 for venue owners admitting minors without parental supervision. The bill focuses on venue access rules rather than individual conduct, applying directly to venue operators and minors.
SB 616 would repeal all sections of West Virginia's Contractor Licensing Act (§30-42-1 through §30-42-20) and terminate the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board. This bill directly affects licensed contractors who currently must obtain and maintain state licenses to work in the state. The key mechanism is the complete removal of the legal framework governing contractor licensing, including application processes, fees, renewal requirements, and disciplinary procedures. The bill would eliminate the requirement for contractors to hold state licenses and end the board's oversight of the profession.
SB 66 simplifies West Virginia's emergency declaration system by reducing the two existing classes of "state of preparedness" (Class I and Class II) to a single level, similar to the current "state of emergency" framework. This change eliminates distinctions in expiration timelines - previously Class I expired in 30 days (requiring legislative extension) while Class II terminated via proclamation - replacing them with one standardized process. The bill also clarifies that combined durations for a state of preparedness followed by a state of emergency cannot exceed 90 days without proper legislative extension. It directly affects the Governor and Legislature, who declare these states, and ensures consistent procedures for public safety responses during crises. (Amends §15-5-6 of West Virginia Code.)
SB 628 requires commercial websites distributing material harmful to minors (defined as pornographic content appealing to minors' prurient interests and lacking serious value) to verify users are 18+ using age-verification tools. It directly affects websites hosting such content by mandating age checks before access, with violations triggering civil liability for damages and legal fees. The bill excludes liability for internet service providers (e.g., hosting platforms) and focuses on content distributors. This policy change aims to prevent minors from accessing prohibited material online through mandatory age verification.
Senate Bill 606 would allow private-sector employees in West Virginia to opt out of employer-mandated vaccinations based on sincerely held religious beliefs. Employees would need to provide a certificate stating their religious objection to their employer, and employers could not retaliate against them through penalties like withholding bonuses, pay raises, or promotions. The bill directly affects employees and employers in the private sector, establishing a specific religious exemption from vaccination requirements. It amends West Virginia's labor law to guarantee this right without requiring additional proof beyond the employee's certificate. This policy change creates a clear, legally protected exemption pathway for religious objections to workplace vaccination mandates.
HCR 14 is a House Concurrent Resolution memorializing Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, who was fatally shot while speaking at a campus event in September 2025. The resolution honors his life, work advocating for free speech and conservative principles, and his efforts to engage young people in political discourse. It does not create new law or policy but formally commemorates his legacy through legislative recognition. The resolution was introduced in the House on January 27, 2026, and referred to the Judiciary committee.
HB 4843 prohibits businesses in West Virginia from using scanner technology to collect personal details like driver's license numbers, Social Security numbers, or medical history during consumer transactions - except for verifying age. The bill defines "scanner technology" as devices that capture license barcodes/magnetic strips, print age results, store transaction records, and transfer data, banning their use for collecting non-age PII. It directly affects retailers, bars, or any business using such scanners for age verification or data collection. Violations are classified as unfair or deceptive business practices under West Virginia law, creating enforceable penalties. The bill focuses solely on restricting specific scanner technology, not general data privacy rules.
