This Senate resolution designates October 14 as "Charlie Kirk Day" in West Virginia to honor the late conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder (born October 14, 1993), who was fatally shot in 2025 while defending free speech. It encourages annual community observances through educational programs and discussions on free speech and conservative principles, without creating new laws or affecting policy. The resolution was adopted by the West Virginia Senate on January 29, 2026.
This is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. It designates January 29, 2026, as "Jan Lilly-Stewart Disability Advocacy Day" at the West Virginia Capitol. The resolution aims to increase awareness among lawmakers and the public about issues affecting West Virginians with disabilities, honoring Jan Lilly-Stewart's advocacy work. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic observance supported by disability advocacy organizations.
This is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) designating January 28, 2026, as "West Virginia Tourism and History Day" at the legislature. It recognizes tourism and history organizations, businesses, volunteers, and educators for their contributions to West Virginia's economy and cultural heritage. The resolution encourages citizens and visitors to explore the state's historic sites and cultural experiences. It has been adopted by the Senate with a voice vote.
HB 4081 creates the Higher Education Health and Aid Grant program for West Virginia public colleges with multiple campuses. The bill requires these institutions to use grant funds to establish campus food and health aid stations, specifically for non-perishable food items and basic hygiene products like toothpaste, sanitary supplies, and first-aid items. Funds cannot cover fresh food, medical care, or prescription items. Institutions must track all purchases and inventory monthly, and submit annual reports to the Higher Education Policy Commission detailing program impact on student food/hygiene insecurity.
This Senate Resolution (SR 16) designates January 27, 2026, as "Civil Air Patrol Day" at the West Virginia Legislature. It formally recognizes the West Virginia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a volunteer organization supporting homeland security, search and rescue, and youth education programs. The resolution commends CAP members for their service and directs the Senate Clerk to forward the resolution to CAP leadership. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy or funding impact - it solely honors CAP's contributions.
SB 66 simplifies West Virginia's emergency declaration system by reducing the two existing classes of "state of preparedness" (Class I and Class II) to a single level, similar to the current "state of emergency" framework. This change eliminates distinctions in expiration timelines - previously Class I expired in 30 days (requiring legislative extension) while Class II terminated via proclamation - replacing them with one standardized process. The bill also clarifies that combined durations for a state of preparedness followed by a state of emergency cannot exceed 90 days without proper legislative extension. It directly affects the Governor and Legislature, who declare these states, and ensures consistent procedures for public safety responses during crises. (Amends §15-5-6 of West Virginia Code.)
This is a ceremonial resolution, not a law, designating January 27, 2026, as "West Virginia Banker’s Day" at the legislature. It recognizes the banking industry’s economic role in West Virginia, citing its employment of nearly 8,000 residents, 570 branch locations, and $2 billion in annual business loans. The resolution has no policy impact; it simply authorizes the legislature to formally acknowledge the industry’s contributions on that date. It directly affects the banking sector and the West Virginia Bankers Association, which will receive a copy of the resolution.
Senate Resolution 18 (SR 18) designates January 27, 2026, as Sexual Violence Awareness Day at the West Virginia Legislature. The resolution formally recognizes the prevalence of sexual violence in the state (citing West Virginia women ranking fifth nationally in sexual coercion victimizations) and supports agencies like the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment to honor survivors, support victim services, and renew commitment to addressing sexual violence.
Senate Resolution 12 designates January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in West Virginia. The resolution recognizes human trafficking as a global crime affecting people of all backgrounds and highlights the need for public awareness. It references West Virginia's existing "YOU CAN" initiative and encourages residents to learn about trafficking through resources like the See, Send app. This is a symbolic resolution focused on raising public awareness, not creating new laws or policies.
This Senate Resolution (SR 13) designates January 23, 2026, as "Dental Hygienists Day" at the West Virginia Capitol. It commemorates dental hygienists' contributions to public health in West Virginia, recognizing their work in prevention, treatment, and care for vulnerable populations. The resolution specifically acknowledges dental hygienists from West Virginia colleges (BridgeValley Community and Technical College, West Liberty University, and West Virginia University) and directs the Senate Clerk to share the resolution with the West Virginia Dental Hygienists Association. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes.
This Senate Resolution 11 formally congratulates the State Government Affairs Council (SGAC) on its 50th anniversary. It recognizes SGAC's work since 1975 in fostering nonpartisan government-community relationships, supporting government affairs professionals, and promoting transparency in state governance. The resolution contains no policy changes or direct impact on constituents - it serves solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the council's historical contributions.
This Senate Resolution (SR 9) designates January 22, 2026, as "Tucker County Day" at the West Virginia Legislature. It recognizes Tucker County's history, cultural contributions, natural attractions (including Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley state parks), and role in tourism and outdoor recreation. The resolution encourages Tucker County residents to continue participating in the democratic process and directs the Clerk to send a copy to Tucker County representatives. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funds.
