Senate Resolution 50 requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the Public Service Commission's effectiveness in regulating public utilities. The resolution asks the committee to examine how well the commission regulates utility rates, reviews rate increase requests, maintains transparency in its processes, and ensures utility service reliability for West Virginia residents and businesses. The study will also consider whether commission members should be elected rather than appointed. The committee must report its findings and recommendations to the Senate by January 1, 2027. This resolution does not change any laws but initiates a review of the commission's current operations.
HB 5537 repeals four outdated sections of West Virginia's Education Code: §18-2E-5 and §18-2E-12 (related to education performance audits and digital literacy projects), §18-2I-1 (professional development for educators), and §18-8-6 (High School Graduation Improvement Act). The bill directly affects the state's education code by removing obsolete provisions that no longer apply. This is a procedural update to streamline the code, with no new policies or funding changes. The bill passed the House on March 3, 2026, and is now in the Senate for review.
HB 5398 modifies West Virginia's oil and gas well plugging funding mechanism to enable access to federal matching funds. It requires that if the state's well-plugging fund holds less than $6 million in unencumbered funds by September 30 each year, the state can receive federal money to plug abandoned oil and gas wells. The bill amends tax provisions related to oil and gas production but focuses on the fund's balance threshold as the key trigger for federal funding eligibility. This directly affects the state's oil and gas well plugging program and its ability to secure federal resources for abandoned well remediation.
HB 5453 modifies West Virginia's school funding formula, shifting to a block grant of $6,100 per student for county school districts starting in 2029-2030 (with a minimum 1,200-student threshold per county), while public charter schools receive $8,600 per student. It creates a "Supplemental School Aid Fund" to provide additional per-pupil funding for Tier II ($3,050) and Tier III special needs students beginning in 2029-2030. School districts may also request supplemental funding for specific needs like transportation, vocational centers, or pilot programs through this fund. The bill requires annual oversight reports by the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability and defines "maladministration" as financial mismanagement that could trigger funding restrictions.
HB 4198, the E-Verify Requirement Act, requires all employers in West Virginia - including businesses, government entities, and public agencies - to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm employees' work authorization. It replaces criminal penalties with fines for knowingly employing unauthorized workers ($100-$10,000 per violation depending on offense count) and allows license suspension or revocation for repeat violations. The bill also creates a "safe harbor" for employers who use E-Verify, shielding them from penalties for failure to verify status. It repeals a provision denying business expense deductions for non-compliance but maintains financial penalties and licensing consequences for violations.
SB 182 allows West Virginia municipalities to expand their boundaries through minor boundary adjustments under specific limits. It restricts such annexations to no more than 105% of a municipality's existing boundary or 120% of its current area, and limits municipalities to one such adjustment every two years. The bill requires municipalities to obtain consent from affected businesses and residents (with a 90-day deadline for affidavits), provide detailed service plans for public services like waste collection and emergency response, and submit maps and financial impact statements. This directly affects municipalities seeking small expansions and property owners in the annexed areas.
SB 389 creates a 25% state income tax credit for property owners who rehabilitate certified historic buildings in West Virginia. The credit applies to both residential and non-residential buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places or located in designated historic districts, as certified by the West Virginia Department of Tourism and the National Park Service. To qualify, rehabilitation work must meet "Secretary of the Interior's Standards" and cost at least 20% of the property's assessed value. Property owners can claim this credit against income taxes imposed under specific sections of the state tax code.
HB 4588 requires West Virginia's State Treasurer to participate in a federal tax credit program that allows individuals to receive tax credits for contributions to scholarship organizations. The bill mandates the Treasurer to annually identify and publish a list of qualified nonprofit scholarship organizations and eligible schools meeting federal and state requirements. Eligible schools must comply with West Virginia education laws, and students must be eligible for public school enrollment under federal criteria. Scholarship funds can cover elementary and secondary education expenses as defined by federal law, with the Treasurer accepting applications year-round for organization inclusion.
SJR 9 proposes amending West Virginia's constitution to require all voters to be U.S. citizens. It would change the voting eligibility rule to state: "Only citizens of the state who are citizens of the United States shall be entitled to vote at all elections." This would affect all voters in West Virginia elections by eliminating current exceptions allowing non-citizen residents to vote in certain local elections. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.
HB 4793 would lower the minimum age for barber and cosmetology apprentices in West Virginia from 16 to 14 years old. Apprentices must work under direct supervision of a licensed professional and meet requirements like being enrolled in school or having a high school credential. Sponsors (licensed professionals who supervise apprentices) must have at least five years of experience in a shop. This change adjusts the existing apprenticeship program to permit younger participants while maintaining oversight and safety standards.
The West Virginia Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Growth Act creates a new program within the West Virginia Department of Commerce to support aerospace and advanced manufacturing businesses. The program will identify qualifying projects (including manufacturing, maintenance, and research of aircraft components), assign a dedicated liaison to assist with development and access to existing state tax incentives, and maintain confidential records of these projects. It also establishes a workforce training program to develop skilled workers for the aerospace industry. This bill directly affects aerospace companies and projects operating in West Virginia, such as those involved in aircraft assembly, engine production, and component manufacturing.
HB 4012 reduces regulatory requirements for utility companies building or maintaining electric power generation and transmission facilities in West Virginia. The bill waives the need for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for projects approved by the Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council, streamlining approvals for these projects. It also shortens the Public Service Commission’s decision timeline, reducing the maximum processing time for large projects (over $50 million) from 400 days to 270 days. This directly affects utility companies seeking to develop or upgrade electric infrastructure within the state.
