SB 742 modifies West Virginia's involuntary hospitalization process by allowing an authorized hospital physician to place a person under a 72-hour hold without first contacting specific officials (like mental hygiene commissioners). It removes the previous 24-hour deadline for filing a formal petition to extend the hold, instead requiring this petition to be filed within 72 hours. The bill also ensures hospitals and physicians are paid standard rates for these services and are protected from liability when acting in good faith. This directly affects individuals facing involuntary hospitalization for mental illness or addiction and the healthcare providers managing their care.
SB 913 repeals the annual reporting requirement for the West Virginia Research Trust Fund under §18B-18A-12 of the West Virginia Code. This bill directly affects the Trust Fund administrators, who currently must submit annual reports to the state. The key mechanism is the removal of this specific reporting mandate from state law. The change simplifies administrative duties for the Trust Fund without altering its funding or purpose.
This bill (SB 916) amends West Virginia law to require that accounting corporations formed on or after July 1, 2001, include either "accounting corporation" or the abbreviation "A.C." in their official name. It prohibits using terms like "company," "corporation," or "incorporated" in their name. The law directly affects new accounting corporations registered in West Virginia, ensuring their names clearly identify their purpose. The key provision standardizes naming requirements to distinguish accounting corporations from other business entities.
SB 899 allows teachers with 15 years of experience at a specific school level (elementary, middle, or high) to become certified school principals without traditional administrative coursework. Instead, they must complete a year-long program developed by the West Virginia Department of Education, covering school administration topics like instructional leadership and finance. The bill applies directly to current teachers seeking principal roles in schools matching their teaching experience level. This change takes effect July 1, 2026, replacing previous education requirements for principal certification. The policy aims to create a new pathway for experienced educators to transition into school leadership.
SB 878 creates a new Office of Entrepreneurship within West Virginia's Secretary of State's office to help entrepreneurs, startups (under 5 years old), and scale-ups (businesses with proven growth) navigate state requirements. The office will act as a central point of contact, coordinating with state agencies and support groups to identify barriers and streamline business setup and growth processes. It requires state agencies to share anonymized data and resources (while protecting sensitive information) and must report annually to the legislature on its activities and findings. This bill establishes a dedicated state resource to improve support for new and growing businesses across West Virginia.
SB 982 creates a state program to fund improvements to public roads connecting residential neighborhoods and subdivisions to existing state roads. It establishes a special fund for projects serving at least 20 residential units (single or multifamily), with a $750,000 annual cap per project. The program excludes private roads, driveways, routine maintenance, and commercial areas, and requires annual reporting to the Legislature. The program expires after 10 years unless renewed by the Legislature.
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.
