SB 690 creates a new "general contractor/construction manager" (GCM) procurement method for West Virginia's Division of Highways (DOH) to use on highway, bridge, and infrastructure projects. This alternative procedure, authorized under federal law (23 U.S.C. 112), would allow the DOH to bypass traditional design-build bidding requirements for eligible projects. The bill directs the DOH to develop specific rules for implementing GCM agreements, including conditions and terms for entering such contracts. The change would primarily affect highway construction contractors and the DOH's project delivery process, offering a streamlined option for project procurement. The bill is currently in the Senate Transportation Committee for review.
This bill updates West Virginia's personal income tax definitions to align with recent federal tax changes. It specifically preserves the ability for taxpayers to deduct gaming and gambling losses on their state returns for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, ensuring this deduction remains available even if federal rules change. The bill adjusts how "federal adjusted gross income" is defined for state tax purposes and sets retroactive effective dates for 2025 tax years. It directly affects West Virginia taxpayers who itemize deductions and claim gambling losses.
This bill updates the licensing requirements for mortgage lenders and brokers in West Virginia by allowing applicants to use various forms of financial statements to prove their tangible net worth. It maintains existing background check procedures through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry while clarifying how the commissioner can use this system to streamline information requests from government agencies. The legislation sets specific financial thresholds for licensure, requiring lenders to demonstrate $250,000 in net worth and brokers to show $10,000, with bond amounts adjusted based on annual loan origination volumes. These changes apply to both new license applications and annual renewals, ensuring ongoing compliance with state regulations for mortgage professionals operating in West Virginia.
SB 607 allows West Virginia airport authorities to use federally approved project delivery methods - such as design-build or construction manager-at-risk - for airport capital improvement projects funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program or Airport Terminal Program. This overrides state procurement laws (like §5-22-1 et seq.) that would otherwise require specific contracting processes, as long as projects meet FAA safety and engineering standards. The bill directly affects airport authorities managing FAA-funded airport projects in West Virginia, streamlining their ability to implement federal-approved construction approaches.
SB 788 adds $2 million in additional funding from unappropriated surplus funds in the General Revenue Fund to WorkForce West Virginia (fund 0572, fiscal year 2026). This supplemental appropriation directly supports WorkForce West Virginia's current operational expenses, using existing unused state funds identified in the Governor's 2026 budget. The bill does not create new programs or alter eligibility but allocates money already available in the state treasury. It is a procedural funding adjustment, not a policy change.
SB 791 increases the existing fiscal year 2026 appropriation for the West Virginia Division of Emergency Management (fund 0443) by $13,000, raising the total to $243,000. This supplemental funding directly affects the Division of Emergency Management's operational budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill uses an unappropriated balance remaining in the State Fund, General Revenue, as identified in the Governor's budget document. It does not create new policies or programs but adjusts an existing funding allocation for emergency management operations. The change is limited to the Division of Emergency Management's current expenses account.
This bill increases a $13,000 supplemental appropriation for the West Virginia Department of Commerce's Division of Forestry (fund 0250, fiscal year 2026). It directly affects the Division of Forestry's budget by adding to its existing $600,000 allocation for current expenses. The funding comes from an unappropriated balance in the State Fund, General Revenue, as identified in the Governor's 2026 budget. This is a procedural budget adjustment, not a new policy or program.
SB 712 allows the West Virginia Division of Highways to authorize cattle guards on specific public roads used by agricultural operations. It permits installation only on local access, farm-to-market, or dead-end roads (not major highways) in active farming areas, subject to strict conditions. Applicants must cover all costs, prove a genuine agricultural need, sign liability waivers, and comply with Division design and maintenance rules. The Division retains full authority to deny, condition, or revoke approvals if safety, maintenance, or infrastructure concerns arise. This directly affects farmers and landowners needing to prevent livestock from crossing roads on eligible public rights-of-way.
Senate Bill 781 adds $15 million to the Governor’s Office Civil Contingent Fund (Fund 0105) for fiscal year 2026, using an unappropriated surplus balance from the State General Revenue Fund. This supplemental appropriation directly affects the Governor’s Office, providing funds for unforeseen expenses or emergencies. The bill’s key mechanism is reallocating existing unspent surplus funds - identified in the Governor’s budget documents - into the contingency fund without creating new taxes or spending. It does not change existing laws or create new policy, only modifying the budget allocation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.
SB 786 is a routine budget adjustment that reallocates $1,810,238 within the Department of Human Services' Child Support Enforcement Fund (Fund 5094, Fiscal Year 2026). It shifts existing funds by decreasing one budget line item while increasing the "Personal Services and Employee Benefits" allocation to support the department's ongoing operations. The bill does not create new programs or change eligibility rules - it simply uses an unappropriated balance to maintain current staffing levels for child support enforcement services. This procedural bill affects the Department of Human Services' internal budgeting but has no direct impact on citizens or new policy implementation.
SB 785 adds $800,000 in supplemental funding to the West Virginia Department of Health's Laboratory Services Fund (Fund 5163) for fiscal year 2026. It allocates $250,000 for staff salaries and benefits, $250,000 for equipment, and $300,000 for operational costs. This bill directly affects the Department of Health's laboratory operations by providing additional budget authority from unspent funds. As a procedural funding measure, it does not create new policies or programs.
This bill (SB 784) is a technical budget adjustment that reallocates $150,000 in existing federal funds within the West Virginia Department of Human Services' Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment program (fund 8793, organization 0511). It decreases funding for "Federal Coronavirus Pandemic" (account 430-89101) and increases funding for "Personal Services and Employee Benefits" (account 430-00100) by the same amount. The bill does not create new programs or change service eligibility; it simply shifts existing federal funds from one budget line to another to cover staffing costs. This adjustment affects only the Department of Human Services' internal budget management for fiscal year 2026.
