SB 897 establishes licensing and certification requirements for alcohol and drug counselors in West Virginia. It defines key terms like "substance use disorder" and "practice of alcohol and drug counseling," which includes evaluating addiction issues, developing treatment plans, and providing trauma-informed care. The bill sets eligibility criteria, application fees, renewal fees, and grandfathering provisions for existing counselors based on education or experience. It also creates disciplinary actions for violations and specifies exceptions for healthcare providers, state employees, and self-help groups. This bill directly affects counselors seeking to provide substance use disorder treatment services in the state.
This bill establishes a tiered commission system for West Virginia sheriffs who collect property taxes as county treasurers. Beginning July 1, 2026, sheriffs will earn additional annual commissions based on their collection rate: $15,000 for 85-89% collection, $20,000 for 90-94%, $25,000 for 95-99%, and $30,000 for 95% or higher. The commission is paid from tax collections and becomes part of the sheriff's regular compensation. It directly affects county sheriffs serving as treasurers, adjusting their pay based on property tax collection performance.
SB 945 allows the West Virginia Adjutant General to pay employees of the West Virginia Military Authority who were furloughed due to a federal government shutdown or furlough, once federal funds for that period become available. This bill directly affects National Guard and military authority personnel whose pay was interrupted by federal actions. It amends existing law to permit retroactive payment after funds are received, rather than requiring employees to wait for the next regular pay cycle. The provision does not create new funding but adjusts payment timing for affected employees during federal shutdowns. It applies specifically to employees covered under the West Virginia Military Authority Act.
SB 944 expands West Virginia's law enforcement authority to include 20 additional categories of federal officers, such as FBI agents, IRS special agents, and Border Patrol officers, who may enforce state laws under specific conditions. These officers can act when requested by state/local agencies, during emergencies involving imminent danger, or when witnessing a felony. The bill explicitly excludes enforcement of traffic laws and parking ordinances, and clarifies that these federal officers remain federal employees - not state law enforcement personnel - and cannot conduct independent investigations. This policy change aims to enhance coordination between federal and state agencies during joint operations or emergencies.
SB 755 removes a requirement for West Virginia state agencies to submit annual reports on their procurement of goods and services from small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses. This bill directly affects state agencies (such as departments and boards) that previously had to report progress to the Department of Administration. The key change eliminates the annual reporting obligation, though existing certification rules for these businesses remain in place. The bill focuses solely on reducing administrative paperwork for state agencies, without altering business certification standards or procurement practices.
SB 794 clarifies that the Intermediate Court of Appeals cannot hear appeals of adoption orders or decrees. It specifically removes these cases from the court's jurisdiction, as stated in amended Section 51-11-4(d)(12). Adoption cases will now proceed directly to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals for review. This change applies to all adoption orders entered under West Virginia Code §48-22-704. The bill modifies procedural appeal pathways without altering adoption laws themselves.
SB 749 authorizes four West Virginia counties - Ohio, Harrison, Monongalia, and Jefferson - to levy a special sales tax on businesses within designated economic development districts. The bill specifically approves taxes for the Fort Henry District (500 acres in Ohio County), Charles Pointe District (437 acres in Harrison County), University Town Centre District (1,450 acres in Monongalia County), and a Jefferson County district (unspecified acreage). Each district’s tax authority expires in 2053 or 2054, unless terminated earlier under existing law. The bill ensures these taxes won’t reduce state general revenue by requiring individual legislative approval for each district’s tax authorization. This directly affects businesses operating within these defined areas, with tax revenue funding local economic development initiatives.
HB 5441 reforms West Virginia's state personnel system by eliminating special merit-based hiring rules for employees in the Department of Transportation, State Tax Division, and Bureau for Social Services. It transfers their personnel duties to the Division of Personnel, exempts new hires and promoted DOT employees from the standard hiring process starting July 1, 2026, and removes the State Personnel Board. The bill streamlines job posting, appointment timelines, and grievance procedures while clarifying that Division of Personnel records are subject to public disclosure laws. These changes aim to reduce duplication and modernize how state agencies manage their workforce.
SB 862 repeals three outdated sections (§62-15A-1, §62-15A-2, and §62-15A-3) of West Virginia’s code that previously established an Addiction Treatment Pilot Program. The bill formally removes these provisions because the pilot program no longer exists, as stated in the bill’s purpose. It does not create new policy or affect current services, as the referenced program was discontinued years ago. This is a procedural cleanup of the legal code, with no direct impact on patients, providers, or state funding. The bill passed quickly through both chambers in early March 2026.
SB 1059 requires solid waste motor carriers in West Virginia to have written agreements with commercial customers that follow the commission's rules. The bill explicitly allows these agreements to have terms longer than one year, which was not permitted under prior law. This change directly affects businesses that contract for solid waste services and the companies providing those services. The policy creates a clear legal framework for longer-term contracts, improving stability for both parties.
This bill allows staff members employed at four specific West Virginia hospitals - Hopemont Hospital, Jackie Withrow Hospital, John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center, and Lakin State Hospital - to begin receiving retirement benefits before the standard retirement age. It applies to employees who were over 55 on October 21, 2025, and would have qualified for retirement under the Public Employees Retirement System if they had reached age 60 (Tier 1) or 62 (Tier 2). The bill permits these employees to draw their retirement annuity as if they had met the normal age requirement, without altering other retirement system rules. For insurance coverage purposes, these employees are considered retired once they start receiving their annuity.
This bill (SB 1038) increases salaries by 15% for three specific positions at the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review: Chief Administrative Law Judge, Administrative Law Judge 1, and Administrative Law Judge 2. The adjustment applies to salary levels effective when the bill takes effect and is separate from other 2026 budget salary changes. The stated purpose is to help ensure unemployment compensation hearings occur in a timely manner. The funding for this increase is exempt from standard budget constraints, and the law explicitly states it creates no legal liability for implementation.
