West Virginia Bills

passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 4, 2026

HB 5554: To modify the building fund for state parties.

HB 5554 modifies funding rules for political party headquarters in West Virginia. It sets a $10,000 annual limit per donor for contributions to party headquarters committees and caps total funding at $1 million per party. The bill prohibits using these funds for satellite offices, political activities, or non-headquarters expenses. It also requires detailed financial reporting to the Secretary of State for contributions exceeding $250, including donor names and contribution amounts. This directly affects state and county political parties maintaining physical headquarters.

passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 4, 2026

HB 5413: Relating to the Central Abuse Registry

HB 5413 creates a Central Abuse Registry managed by the West Virginia State Police to track individuals convicted of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property involving children, incapacitated adults, or adults receiving behavioral health services in specific settings like residential care facilities, day care centers, or home care. It requires registrants to provide personal details (name, DOB, SSN) and pay an annual $125 fee to the circuit clerk, with fees funding mental health services for State Police employees. The registry combines existing requirements, so those already registering as sex offenders only pay one $125 fee instead of separate fees. Failure to pay the fee does not violate supervised release, but unpaid fees may result in a recorded judgment lien.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 4, 2026

HB 4471: Approved sewage systems for rental property

HB 4471 requires all rental properties in West Virginia to have approved sewage systems instead of straight piping sewage. It specifically applies to landlords of rental properties, including those previously used as primary owner-occupied homes that are now rented. The bill mandates that these properties must update plumbing to current standards and install approved sewer systems. This policy directly affects landlords and rental property owners by setting new infrastructure requirements for sewage handling.

passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 4, 2026

HB 4352: Prohibiting cameras and recording devices in bedrooms and bathrooms of foster children

HB 4352 prohibits cameras and recording devices in the bedrooms and bathrooms of foster children in West Virginia foster homes. The bill directly affects foster children and their caregivers, banning all such devices except under specific medical exemptions. Exemptions apply only if a child has a medical diagnosis of severe physical, behavioral, cognitive, or psychological disability, and even then, any permitted devices must be placed visibly - not hidden. The law requires foster homes to maintain privacy in these personal spaces while allowing limited medical monitoring with clear visibility.

Topics ✓ Technology

passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 4, 2026

HB 4981: Relating to state psychiatric hospital designations

HB 4981 designates psychiatric hospitals treating exclusively civil and forensic patients (over 95% court-ordered civil/forensic cases from state custody) as "state-designated facilities" for Medicaid funding purposes. This change allows these specific hospitals to qualify for Medicaid reimbursement under federal rules, rather than being excluded as "state-designated" under current tax code. The bill amends tax provisions to ensure revenue collected from eligible hospitals (via a 0.75% tax on gross receipts) flows directly into a Medicaid funding account. It directly affects licensed psychiatric hospitals meeting the strict patient-mix criteria, enabling them to access Medicaid program funds they previously could not.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 4, 2026

HB 4360: Relating generally to allowing the Supreme Court of Appeals discretion to create uniform pay scales for all levels of judicial support staff.

HB 4360 allows West Virginia's Supreme Court of Appeals to establish uniform pay scales for judicial support staff instead of using fixed salary amounts. It directly affects magistrate court clerks, magistrate assistants, and deputy clerks - positions currently paid $54,596 and $49,232 annually under statute. The bill replaces specific salary figures with a flexible pay scale managed by the Supreme Court's Administrative Director, while still permitting these staff to receive general state employee salary increases. This change aims to streamline compensation adjustments across judicial offices without altering job duties or eligibility for broader state pay adjustments.

passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 4, 2026

HB 4477: To give the Secretary of State authority to refer allegations of violations of election laws to West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Institute.

This bill gives the West Virginia Secretary of State the authority to refer suspected election law violations to county prosecuting attorneys for investigation. When the Secretary of State identifies potential election fraud or irregularities, the county prosecutor must forward the matter to the West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Institute, which then appoints a special prosecutor to review the allegations. The special prosecutor must provide written updates to the Secretary of State within 60 days and every 60 days thereafter until a decision is made about whether to pursue criminal charges. The appointed special prosecutor serves without additional pay beyond reimbursement for travel and related expenses, and county commissions cover these allowable costs.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 4, 2026

HB 4148: Requiring all salesperson licensees to submit proof of authorization to work.

HB 4148 requires real estate salesperson license applicants in West Virginia to submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States. This directly affects individuals seeking to become real estate salespersons in the state. The bill amends §30-40-13 of the West Virginia Code to add this documentation requirement alongside existing education and exam standards. It does not change the education or exam requirements but adds a new verification step for applicants' immigration status. The law applies only to salesperson licenses, not other real estate professional licenses.

Topics ✗ Immigration

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 3, 2026

HR 21: Recognizing President Donald J. Trump for reforms benefiting West Virginia

This House resolution formally recognizes President Donald J. Trump for various policies and actions that the West Virginia House of Delegates claims have benefited the state. The document highlights specific initiatives including regulatory reforms in the energy sector, tax relief measures, funding for rural healthcare, and programs aimed at reducing prescription drug costs and establishing investment accounts for newborns. It also cites border security improvements and drug control efforts as contributing factors to public safety and economic well-being. The resolution expresses appreciation for these actions and requests that the formal recognition be sent to the President.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

Josh Holstein (R) · 68 co-sponsors

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 3, 2026

HCR 26: Requesting a Study on Energy Recovery and Micro-Hydropower Opportunities in Public Water Systems to Reduce Operating Costs and Stabilize Water Rates

This bill asks the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study whether energy recovery and micro-hydropower technologies could be used in West Virginia's public water systems. The study would examine specific locations like pressure valves and discharge points where excess water energy is currently wasted, and evaluate technologies that could generate electricity without major construction or environmental harm. The committee would also analyze potential cost savings, review available funding sources, and consider regulatory requirements for such installations. If the study finds these technologies feasible, the committee would provide recommendations to the Legislature by December 1, 2026, to help reduce water system operating costs and potentially lower water rates for residents.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

passed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 3, 2026

SR 56: Honoring Sergeant First Class Bill Brown for his distinguished military service

This Senate resolution honors Sergeant First Class Bill Brown of Beckley, West Virginia, for his distinguished military service during the Vietnam War. The bill formally recognizes his three tours of duty in Southeast Asia, where he served in command roles and was severely wounded in 1971, resulting in a bilateral leg amputation. It acknowledges his receipt of 16 military medals, including the Silver Star and a rare South Vietnamese award, and directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to him.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 3, 2026

SR 55: Recognizing honeybees and their importance to agriculture and economy in WV

This Senate resolution formally recognizes honeybees and their vital role in West Virginia's agriculture and economy. It highlights that honeybees pollinate crops worth billions of dollars annually and supports over 16,000 beekeeping colonies in the state. The document also notes challenges like disease and habitat loss that threaten bee populations while affirming the state's commitment to supporting beekeepers and healthy pollinator populations. This measure does not change laws or create new regulations but serves as an official acknowledgment of honeybees' importance.

Topics ✓ Environment

Bill results