This Senate Resolution (SR 32) expresses the West Virginia Senate's commitment to protecting coal-dependent communities and energy infrastructure. It specifically requires coal-fired power plants to operate at a minimum 69% annual capacity factor to maintain grid reliability and protect over 10,000 coal jobs, while opposing actions that threaten mine closures or job losses. The resolution also pledges to prioritize local coal jobs over "out-of-state contracting" and prevent ratepayers from bearing higher costs due to reduced coal generation. As a non-binding resolution (adopted February 18, 2026), it does not create new law but formally commits the Senate to supporting coal through policy advocacy and oversight.
SB 188 would amend West Virginia law to allow state political party committees to determine the length of the term for their committee chair. Currently, the law may have required a fixed term, but this bill gives parties discretion to set the duration (e.g., one or two years) through their internal voting process. It directly affects the chairs of state-level committees for major political parties, such as the West Virginia Democratic and Republican parties. The bill does not specify a new term length but transfers this decision-making authority to the parties themselves.
This is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 44), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes and honors the St. Joseph Central Catholic High School Fighting Irish Boys Soccer Team for winning the 2025 State Championship title. The resolution highlights their 23-2 record, championship victory (4-0 over Wheeling Central), and the leadership of players and coaches. It contains no policy mechanisms or changes - it is solely an expression of legislative praise with no binding effect or impact on laws or regulations.
HB 5096 removes the requirement for state approval (a "certificate of need") for two specific healthcare services in West Virginia: personal care services and intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) services. This means healthcare providers offering these services no longer need prior state permission before expanding or establishing them. The bill amends existing law (§16-2D-10) to explicitly exempt these services from the certificate of need process, which previously applied to many healthcare expansions and facility changes. This change directly affects providers of personal care (like assistance with daily living activities) and IDD services (such as support for individuals with developmental disabilities), streamlining their ability to operate without state review.
This Senate Resolution (SR 43) designates February 17, 2026, as "Local Food and Farm Day" at the West Virginia Capitol. It commemorates West Virginia farmers and food entrepreneurs for their contributions to the state's agriculture, economy, and community health. The resolution specifically acknowledges their role in producing local food, supporting programs like SNAP Stretch, and fostering initiatives such as "Grow This!" and "Food is Medicine." It has no policy or funding impact - it serves solely as a symbolic recognition of the agricultural community's value.
This bill expands the definition of "tourism attraction" under West Virginia's Tourism Development Act to include lodging facilities, allowing hotels and similar accommodations to qualify for state tax credits. The change directly affects businesses operating lodging facilities within the state that wish to participate in the Tourism Development Act credit program. By amending the existing code, the legislation removes lodging facilities from the list of excluded project types while maintaining the current criteria for other tourism attractions like cultural sites, recreation facilities, and entertainment centers. This policy adjustment aims to broaden the range of tourism-related projects eligible for financial incentives without altering the underlying credit structure or eligibility requirements for other attraction types.
HB 4997 prohibits individuals convicted of terroristic threats involving schools or children (under §61-6-24(b)) from residing within 1,000 feet of any educational facility, including public/private schools, preschools, or daycares where children are regularly present. This residency restriction applies automatically during probation or parole, or as a sentencing condition if no supervision is ordered. Violations are classified as felonies punishable by 1-5 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, or both, and may lead to revocation of probation. The bill uses GIS or property records to measure proximity and aligns with existing sex offender residency rules under §62-12-26.
This is a commemorative House resolution honoring former West Virginia House Speaker and Chief Justice Timothy P. Armstead following his passing. It memorializes his service, names a conference room in the House as the "Speaker Tim Armstead Memorial Conference Room," and extends condolences to his family. The resolution does not create new laws or affect policy - it formally recognizes his legacy and contributions to West Virginia.
This is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 41), not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes the West Virginia University Institute for Community and Rural Health for its 15-year work since 2011 supporting rural health care in West Virginia. The resolution highlights the institute's role in developing the health care workforce through student programs, professional development, and financial incentives for rural health professionals. It has no binding policy impact and serves only to acknowledge the institute's contributions.
This is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 38), not a substantive bill. It formally designates February 16, 2026, as "Rural Health Day" at the West Virginia Capitol. The resolution acknowledges rural health care providers - including hospitals, clinics, and emergency services - and recognizes their efforts in addressing health care challenges in rural West Virginia. It has no legal effect beyond this symbolic recognition and does not impose new requirements or change existing laws.
SR 42 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Walter Dolph Helmick, a former West Virginia state legislator and public servant. It memorializes his life and career, noting his service as a coal miner, teacher, businessman, Mason, West Virginia House of Delegates member, Senate member (1989-2013), and Commissioner of Agriculture. The resolution formally recognizes his contributions to West Virginia and extends condolences to his family following his death in 2025. As a non-binding memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or effect on legislation.
This Senate Resolution (SR 40) designates February 16, 2026, as "Child Advocacy Center Day" in West Virginia. It formally recognizes the work of the state's 21 Child Advocacy Centers, which support child abuse victims and families through coordinated services across 48 counties. The resolution has no policy impact - it is a symbolic observance inviting legislators and citizens to acknowledge these centers' role in child safety and healing.
