HB 4026 requires West Virginia electric utilities to include detailed analyses of advanced transmission technologies in their integrated resource plans filed with the Public Service Commission. This affects all utilities operating in the state that submit these plans, including major providers like American Electric Power and Dominion Energy. The bill mandates comprehensive assessments of technologies such as advanced conductors, dynamic line rating, and power flow controls, covering their economic feasibility, technical viability, potential benefits, and deployment schedules. These analyses must address how such technologies improve grid efficiency, reliability, and safety for customers. The requirement applies to all new or updated resource plans filed after July 1, 2026.
HB 5669, known as "Raylee's Law," temporarily blocks custodial parents or guardians accused of child abuse or neglect from withdrawing children from public or private schools to homeschool or resuming home instruction during an active Department of Human Services investigation. The restriction applies only while an investigation is ongoing and ends when the investigation is closed without finding abuse or if a court orders otherwise. The Department of Human Services must notify both the child's school and the parent/guardian in writing about this temporary restriction. The bill directly affects children in abuse/neglect cases where the alleged perpetrator is their custodial caregiver.
HB 5525 creates the "Southern West Virginia Clean Water Fund" to improve drinking water in 13 specific counties (Boone, Fayette, Greenbrier, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, and Wyoming). The bill requires water utilities to conduct quarterly contaminant testing, replace lead service lines by 2035 (with financial help for low-income households), and implement advanced filtration systems where water quality fails state standards. It appropriates $10 million in state funds for infrastructure upgrades, mandates public reporting of test results within 30 days, and imposes fines (reinvested into the fund) for violations of safe drinking water limits. The law also requires annual infrastructure assessments and updates to contaminant standards every three years based on scientific research.
HB 5652 would amend West Virginia's hotel occupancy tax law to expand the definition of "hotel" to include campground sites. This change would allow county commissions to designate specific campgrounds as "hotels" for tax collection, requiring that any tax collected from these sites be specifically earmarked for public safety services within the county. The bill also clarifies key terms like "hotel operator" and "hotel room" to define the tax's scope more precisely. This amendment would directly affect campground operators (who might become liable for the tax if designated) and county governments (which would collect and allocate the funds). The proposal aims to extend the tax base to cover campgrounds while ensuring revenue supports public safety.
SB 966 would remove existing requirements for homeschooling parents in West Virginia, specifically eliminating the need for parental certifications and mandating that home instruction cover the same subjects as public schools. The bill keeps annual academic assessments and notice-of-intent procedures but removes the requirement for homeschool providers to submit proof of a high school diploma or higher education credentials. It directly affects parents who choose to homeschool their children, as it reduces administrative barriers while maintaining basic oversight through annual assessments. The bill aims to simplify homeschooling compliance without altering the core structure of home education oversight.
SB 748, the Creating Safer Communities Act, allows West Virginia counties to levy a public safety sales or amusement tax (capped at 1% of the purchase price) to fund public safety, school safety, and emergency response services. Counties must first hold a voter referendum at the next general election, requiring a simple majority vote for approval, and any rate change requires a new referendum. The bill mandates specific ballot language, advance notice of the referendum, and requires funds to be dedicated exclusively to designated services like school resource officers and emergency medical services. This legislation directly affects counties seeking to address public safety funding gaps through voter-approved local taxes.
HB 3294 creates legal protections for banks, broker-dealers, and investment advisors who intervene to prevent financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. It directly affects eligible adults (West Virginia residents 65+ or adults with significant mental impairments affecting financial decisions) and financial institutions. The bill allows these institutions to delay, refuse, or block transactions they believe risk financial exploitation, and requires them to report suspected exploitation to state agencies like the Department of Human Services. It provides legal immunity for institutions acting in good faith to protect eligible adults, without creating a duty to override customer instructions.
SB 503 allows West Virginia sheriffs to appoint more than one chief deputy, provided the county commission consents. This change directly affects sheriffs and county commissions, who must now approve such appointments. The bill removes previous restrictions that limited sheriffs to a single chief deputy, addressing staffing needs in larger counties. It does not alter political restrictions for chief deputies or firearm rules for conservators, which are separate provisions in the bill.
HB 2776 requires the West Virginia Department of Health to add alpha-gal syndrome (a red meat allergy triggered by tick bites) to the list of diseases mandating reporting to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This bill directly affects the Department of Health, which must propose new rules to include alpha-gal syndrome in statewide reporting protocols. The key mechanism is amending existing public health reporting requirements under West Virginia Code §16-1-4 to expand the list of reportable conditions. This change would ensure healthcare providers’ positive alpha-gal test results are systematically shared with the CDC for public health monitoring.
This bill clarifies the definition of "electioneering" near polling places in West Virginia. It prohibits campaign signs, solicitation of votes, and distribution of campaign materials within 100 feet of polling entrances (including during early voting), while exempting news media exit polling, bumper stickers on parked vehicles, and non-advocacy educational materials. It permits voters to use cell phones to view candidate lists or ballot questions inside polling places, bans photography/videography in voting areas (except for law enforcement investigations), and maintains the 100-foot buffer zone for electioneering. The law applies directly to voters, poll workers, candidates, and election officials during voting hours.
HB 3174 requires West Virginia municipalities to calculate the cost of extending water or sewer service when potential customers apply for service, then apply to the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council for available funding. If a grant covers the extension costs, the municipality must provide service to applicants who make required deposits. The bill amends existing statutes (§8-19-17, §16-13-22a, and §16-13A-24) to mandate these steps for municipalities. This directly affects municipalities providing water/sewer services and new customers seeking connection.
HCR 102 is a West Virginia concurrent resolution urging Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It specifically requests a convention limited to proposing amendments focused on federal fiscal responsibility, citing concerns about the national debt ($36 trillion) and inflation. The resolution also directs West Virginia to join other states in legal action to compel Congress to act and proposes a meeting date for states to draft fiscal amendments. This procedural resolution was rejected by the House on April 10, 2025, and does not create new law or policy.
