This Senate Resolution (SR 10) is a symbolic recognition resolution, not a law. It directs the Senate to formally acknowledge "the Day of the Bible" at the Capitol, citing the historical significance of the 1782 Aitken Bible (the first complete English-language Bible printed in America) and the Bible's broader cultural and moral influence. The resolution encourages reflection on the Bible's role in shaping ethics, justice, and civic life, while affirming religious freedom. It does not create new policies or affect any specific group; it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Senate.
HB 4750 prohibits registered sex offenders in West Virginia from living within 3,000 feet of schools (public or private elementary/secondary), childcare facilities, residential child-care agencies, children's group homes, or recreational areas used by children under 18. The bill directly affects all sex offenders required to register under West Virginia law. Exceptions include offenders in correctional facilities within the restricted zone, those under specific court commitments, or minors under guardianship. The law aims to create physical separation between sex offenders and vulnerable youth facilities while acknowledging certain institutional settings.
HB 4671 requires West Virginia law enforcement to immediately transfer individuals determined to be in the country without legal immigration status to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation. For a second offense (if the same person is again found without legal status), the bill classifies it as a felony, mandating 3 to 5 years in state prison before deportation. The bill also prohibits state and local law enforcement from interfering with this process or overriding federal immigration policy. It directly affects individuals without legal immigration status who are apprehended by law enforcement in the state.
HB 4711 requires West Virginia municipalities to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - like backyard cottages or converted garages - on single-family residential lots "by right," meaning without special permits, hearings, or variances. It prohibits municipalities from imposing restrictions such as extra parking requirements, design matching rules, occupancy mandates, impact fees, or stricter building standards for ADUs than for primary homes. The bill directly affects homeowners seeking to create ADUs and municipalities, which must revise zoning rules by January 1, 2027, to comply. It allows municipalities to charge a $250 one-time application fee but does not override building or safety codes. The law aims to increase housing options by simplifying ADU creation.
SB 557 requires Child Protective Services (CPS) workers in West Virginia to attempt wearing body cameras during investigations of child abuse or neglect reports. Workers must obtain consent from the person being investigated before using cameras and may skip camera use only if it compromises a child’s privacy or hinders the investigation (with documentation required). All audio and video recordings must be stored as confidential case records for the duration of the open case. The bill directly affects CPS workers conducting investigations, aiming to increase transparency while maintaining confidentiality standards for child welfare cases.
This is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 8), not a law. It formally congratulates Anthony "Tony" Deal, an insurance agent and CEO of Insurance Centers in Kingwood, West Virginia, for being named "Agent of the Year." The resolution recognizes his career achievements, community service, military background, and leadership in the insurance industry. It has no legal effect and does not create new policies or impact any individuals or entities beyond expressing the Senate's appreciation.
HB 4627 requires health insurance plans and self-insured employer health plans in West Virginia to cover preventive cancer screenings for professional firefighters without cost-sharing (such as copays or deductibles), except in high-deductible health plans where standard deductibles apply. The bill applies to all firefighters employed by state, county, or municipal entities and mandates coverage based on the International Association of Fire Fighters' current screening guidelines. This ensures firefighters can access regular cancer screenings at no additional cost, promoting early detection and health monitoring for this occupational group.
HB 4708 clarifies conditions for substitute teachers serving extended periods in West Virginia schools. It allows substitutes assigned to the same classroom for over half a grading period to remain until the grading period ends, provided the principal certifies the regular teacher has prepared them or is returning. The bill also creates a process for counties to hire retired teachers as substitutes in critical shortage areas without affecting retirement benefits (unless they start working in the same fiscal year they retired, in which case they lose annuity reserve benefits for that year). Additionally, all long-term substitutes must receive training on IEP and 504 plans upon hiring.
HB 4655 expands West Virginia's Laken's Law to require annual substance abuse education about fentanyl, heroin, and opioids for students in grades 3-12, instead of the current 6-12 range. The bill mandates that all public schools teach five specific topics annually, including awareness of opioids, use of opioid reversal agents, prevention of addiction, community resources, and health education on youth substance use. This expansion would take effect for grades 3-5 starting in the 2026-2027 school year, while the existing grades 6-12 requirement continues. The law directly affects all public school students in these grade levels through mandated classroom instruction.
SB 559, the "Protecting Children from Illegal Vapes Act," regulates vape products in West Virginia to prevent youth access. It requires all businesses selling or distributing vape products to obtain a license from the Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (ABCA), mandates that all products be listed in a state registry, and bans sales to anyone under 21. The law also prohibits self-service displays of vape products and grants ABCA authority to inspect businesses, seize unregistered products, and enforce rules. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation or criminal charges including fines up to $5,000 and up to 90 days in jail for distributing unregistered products.
HB 4632 requires beekeepers in West Virginia to register their apiaries (beekeeping operations) with the Agriculture Commissioner within 10 days of acquiring bees and renew annually by June 30. It creates liability protection for registered beekeepers who follow state-approved best practices, shielding them from claims related to beekeeping activities (excluding intentional harm or gross negligence). The bill mandates annual inspections for apiaries producing queens or packaged bees, allows limited inspections during reasonable hours with owner permission, and requires the Commissioner to quarantine apiaries with pest outbreaks - reporting quarantine details publicly online within 30 days. These provisions directly affect commercial and hobbyist beekeepers, focusing on registration, safety standards, and pest management.
HB 4681 would allow West Virginia residents injured by Covid-19 vaccines to sue pharmaceutical companies for damages without limits on the amount they can recover. Currently, drug manufacturers typically avoid liability for vaccine injuries by providing warnings to healthcare providers (the "learned intermediary" rule), but this bill removes that protection specifically for Covid-19 vaccines. The law change would let injured individuals seek full compensation in court for vaccine-related harm. This exception applies only to Covid-19 vaccines and does not affect liability rules for other drugs or medical devices.
