SB 540 requires Child Protective Services (CPS) workers in West Virginia to wear body-worn cameras during investigations of child abuse or neglect, but only after obtaining consent from the person being investigated in private settings where privacy is expected. CPS workers may skip using the camera if it would compromise a child's privacy or hinder the investigation, but they must document the reason in the case file. All audio and video recordings must be kept confidential, stored until all appeals are resolved, and treated as part of the official child welfare record, not subject to public disclosure. This bill directly affects CPS workers and individuals involved in child welfare investigations.
HB 4986 amends West Virginia law to clarify when parental abandonment is presumed, especially for incarcerated parents. It states that abandonment is presumed when a parent is jailed for a significant portion of the child's minority (considering the child's age and need for stability) or for serious crimes like sexual assault, murder, or violent offenses. The bill also requires child welfare agencies to seek termination of parental rights when a child has been in foster care for 15 of the last 22 months, or when a court finds the child abandoned, abused, or when a parent committed specific violent or sexual crimes against the child. This directly affects parents facing incarceration for certain offenses and children in foster care or abuse cases.
HB 5475 would change West Virginia's Public Service Commission from an appointed body to an elected one. The bill requires three commissioners to be elected to six-year nonpartisan terms from three districts corresponding to the state's three congressional districts, with staggered terms for the first election cycle. It maintains existing requirements, including one commissioner needing a law license with at least 10 years of experience and prohibitions against financial ties to public utilities or holding other elected office. The bill eliminates the Governor's appointment authority and Senate confirmation process for commission members.
HB 5203 prohibits West Virginia municipalities from issuing any local identification card specifically for voting in municipal elections. It requires that any identification used for voting must already be authorized by state law for statewide elections, preventing cities from creating their own voting IDs. The bill directly affects local governments that might have considered adopting unique municipal ID systems for election purposes. This ensures municipal elections follow the same voter ID standards as state elections, without creating additional local requirements.
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.
HB 5683 requires West Virginia's State Board of Education to establish minimum graduation standards for public high schools. These standards may include specific course credits, competency demonstrations, or assessments to ensure students are prepared for college or careers. The bill also mandates that every graduate receive a certificate of proficiency detailing their skills, readiness for employment, and any completed academic major. This bill directly affects all public high school students in West Virginia and aims to standardize graduation requirements across the state.
SB 981 imposes a one-year pause (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027) on the Public Service Commission approving new rate increases for electric, natural gas, and water utilities serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers in West Virginia. It allows the Commission to reduce rates, disallow costs, or approve refunds during this period but prohibits new rate hikes. The bill requires a comprehensive study of methods to lower utility rates and mandates a report on findings and recommendations. This directly affects utilities and their customers by temporarily halting rate increases while evaluating long-term affordability solutions.
HB 5106 allows the Cabell County Board of Education to provide funds from its special and excess levies to the Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District. This would give the park district an additional funding source for maintaining parks and recreational facilities, using money currently collected for educational purposes. The park district must submit a written request for these funds, and the school board would then decide whether to transfer them. The bill does not require the school board to provide funds, only authorizes the option.
HB 5557 requires real estate developers selling time-share properties to submit all advertising materials - including brochures, radio/TV transcripts, and sales presentations - to the State Auditor’s Division of Land Sales within 10 days of use. The bill applies directly to sellers (developers or agents) offering time-share units, mandating that these materials be filed alongside the initial public offering statement. It also prohibits misleading claims about property improvements, future price increases, or availability, ensuring transparency for potential buyers. This amendment updates West Virginia’s time-sharing regulations to strengthen pre-sale disclosure requirements.
HB 5463 amends West Virginia law to increase liability insurance requirements for county school boards and their personnel. It mandates minimum $1 million liability coverage from the State Board of Risk and Insurance Management for teachers, administrators, superintendents, and school board members, plus $5 million in additional excess coverage that counties must purchase. The bill requires comprehensive coverage including malpractice, corporal punishment, and legal liability, along with annual written notice to all covered staff about their insurance details. This affects all public school employees and officials in county districts and participating public charter schools. The bill passed the House on March 3, 2026, and is now before the Senate Banking and Insurance committee.
HB 5660 amends West Virginia's statute governing concealed weapons licenses, updating the process for obtaining a permit to carry deadly weapons (specifically pistols and revolvers). It affects both West Virginia residents (requiring a $50 fee) and nonresidents (requiring a $100 fee), who must submit detailed applications verifying citizenship/residency, age (21+), criminal history (no recent felonies/misdemeanors involving violence or domestic abuse), and background checks. The bill specifies required applicant information including personal details, proof of lawful status, and compliance with federal firearm restrictions. It also waives the weapon-handling qualification requirement for renewal applicants. This legislation modifies existing licensing procedures without changing the core eligibility criteria.
HB 5321 requires that children entering foster care or transition homes in West Virginia receive educational evaluations for special education services (like IEPs or 504 plans) within 30 days, instead of the previous standard timeline. This directly affects children in foster care who need special education support, ensuring they don’t face delays in accessing critical services when their living situation changes. The bill creates a new legal requirement (§18-20-13) to guarantee these evaluations are completed promptly. It does not alter existing service delivery but mandates a specific 30-day deadline for initial assessments. The bill passed the House in March 2026 and is now before the Senate Education Committee.
