This Senate Resolution designates March 10, 2026, as Hunger Free West Virginia Day to acknowledge the state's ongoing food insecurity challenges. The measure highlights that over 277,000 West Virginians struggle to access consistent nutrition, including children, seniors, and veterans. It formally recognizes the work of the state's charitable food network, which distributed more than 36.8 million pounds of food in 2025 through partnerships with community organizations. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send copies to Facing Hunger Foodbank and Mountaineer Foodbank as a gesture of appreciation for their efforts.
This bill asks the U.S. Congress to authorize the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for U.S. military personnel who served in Honduras between 1981 and 1992. It is based on the claim that American troops faced hostile conditions during this period, including combat training and exposure to gunfire, resulting in at least 46 deaths. The resolution urges federal lawmakers to recognize these veterans with a medal similar to those awarded for service in other hostile environments. If adopted, the bill would require action by the U.S. Congress to change existing military award policies.
HB 4001 creates TEAM-WV, a new nonprofit corporation to advance West Virginia's economic development. The bill requires the Governor to form this entity to promote job creation, retention, training, and business recruitment, with specific operational rules. Key provisions include requiring the Governor to file articles of incorporation, establishing a board of directors with appointment procedures, mandating board approval for CEO compensation and major contracts, and requiring annual strategic planning and conflict-of-interest policies. The corporation will operate under state code but must follow these defined governance structures. This is a procedural bill establishing the framework for a state economic development agency, not a direct policy affecting residents or businesses.
SB 937, or "Kyneddi’s Law," establishes a pilot program to transition child welfare case management from the state Bureau for Social Services to private community-based providers in specific West Virginia counties. Starting in 2028, the pilot will cover Berkeley, Jefferson, Summers, Raleigh, Fayette, and Monroe counties, with full statewide implementation planned for 2029. The bill requires the state to contract with qualified private providers to manage cases after initial investigations, using a risk-based payment model where providers can retain savings from improved outcomes but cover costs exceeding set rates. The Bureau retains authority for investigations, safety decisions, and court involvement, while providers handle case management, service coordination, and placement oversight under defined standards. This directly affects children in foster care, their families, and community providers delivering services.
West Virginia's SB 426 establishes a mandatory "call before you dig" notification system to prevent damage to underground infrastructure. It requires excavators (e.g., construction crews) to notify utility operators of planned digging activities before starting work, covering facilities like gas lines, water mains, sewer systems, and fiber optic cables. The bill creates an Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Board to enforce these rules, with penalties collected from violators funding the board directly instead of the state treasury. This affects all entities performing excavation work in the state, aiming to reduce accidental damage to critical underground utilities.
HB 4563 would change how West Virginia's EZ Pass transponders are registered, requiring them to be assigned to individual licensed drivers instead of specific vehicles. This means drivers would register their personal license with the transponder, allowing them to use it in any vehicle they operate, without linking the device to a particular car. The bill directly affects all current and future EZ Pass users in West Virginia who pay tolls on state highways. It updates the registration process by removing vehicle information from EZ Pass records and tying the device solely to the driver's license.
This is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 13) honoring the late Senator Tony Eugene Whitlow, a longtime West Virginia legislator who served in the House (1970-1982) and Senate (1984-1992), including as Senate President pro Tempore. The resolution commemorates his life, military service, public career, family, and community contributions, directing the Clerk to send a copy to his surviving family members. It has no policy provisions or direct impact on constituents.
SB 420, the West Virginia First Energy Act, requires regulated utilities to maintain minimum operational standards for coal and natural-gas power plants. It mandates a 69% annual utilization rate for coal-fired facilities, a 30-day on-site coal inventory, and firm natural-gas supply contracts for gas plants. The bill prohibits retiring or reducing coal/gas capacity without Public Service Commission approval (unless an in-state replacement is available) and bans cost recovery for new wind or solar projects in utility rate bases. These provisions directly affect utilities operating in-state coal and natural-gas generation, aiming to preserve reliable, dispatchable power sources and limit reliance on intermittent renewables.
HB 4421 requires the West Virginia Parkways Authority to stop charging tolls on the West Virginia Turnpike once all bonds issued for the project (plus interest) have been fully paid or secured in trust. The bill mandates that toll collection must end within 90 days of the final bond payment, and all toll facilities must be removed. This directly affects drivers who use the Turnpike (by eliminating toll fees) and the Parkways Authority (which must cease toll operations). The Turnpike will then transfer to the state Division of Highways for maintenance at no cost to drivers.
HB 4419 requires the West Virginia Parkways Authority to hold public hearings with at least 14 days' notice in every county along the turnpike before increasing tolls, rents, fees, or charges. The Authority must justify each proposed increase by demonstrating it addresses operational costs, maintenance needs, or bond payment requirements. This bill directly affects the Parkways Authority and drivers using the turnpike, as it mandates strict procedural compliance before any rate change. The law also ensures all tolls and fees remain subject to full auditing by the Joint Committee on Government and Finance upon request.
HB 4410 clarifies when drivers must stop at railroad crossings by defining "on-track equipment" (including maintenance vehicles and all rail-based equipment) and updating stop requirements. It requires drivers to stop 15-50 feet from rails when signals indicate an approaching train or other on-track equipment, gates are lowered, a train is within 1,500 feet and audible, or a train is visibly hazardous. The bill also prohibits driving around or under closed gates and specifies penalties: misdemeanor fines up to $100 or 10 days in jail, plus three driver’s license points for violations. This directly affects drivers approaching railroad crossings in West Virginia, ensuring consistent safety rules for all rail-related equipment.
SB 928 defines "Low-Proof Spirit Alcohol Products" as beverages containing 0.5% to 15.5% alcohol by volume (not including wine, beer, or nonintoxicating beer), packaged in containers under 25 fluid ounces. It establishes new regulatory requirements for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of these products, including specific sales and distribution rules. The bill also specifies a tax methodology for these products and grants the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Commission authority to create implementing rules. This legislation directly affects businesses producing or selling low-proof alcohol beverages, creating a distinct regulatory category separate from traditional spirits, beer, or wine.
