HB 5411, the Energy Freedom and Fairness Act, allows large non-residential electricity customers (like factories or data centers meeting specific load capacity requirements) to choose their own power suppliers from competitive providers, rather than purchasing solely from regulated utilities. The bill requires the Public Service Commission to establish a subscription queue for these customers, license competitive service providers, and ensure rate transparency for utilities. It also prohibits utilities from shifting costs unfairly to ratepayers and mandates oversight to protect residential customers and small businesses. The law aims to lower electricity costs for all ratepayers by reducing the need for new utility-owned generation while maintaining utility responsibility for transmission and distribution.
HB 5420 requires West Virginia public schools to implement a "Logic for Living" curriculum for students in grades 7-10, focusing on practical reasoning skills like identifying logical fallacies, constructing sound arguments, and evaluating evidence. It directly affects public schools, teachers, and students by mandating a dedicated semester-long logic course starting in the 2028-2029 school year, with phased county implementation. Key mechanisms include developing interdisciplinary materials (integrating logic into subjects like science and social studies), involving the West Virginia University Washington Center for curriculum design and teacher training, and requiring new teacher endorsements for logic instruction. The bill emphasizes informal logic - such as recognizing flawed arguments (e.g., ad hominem or false dilemmas) - rather than formal logic, aiming to strengthen critical thinking for college, careers, and civic engagement.
HB 5428 requires employers of peace officers, firefighters, and 911 dispatchers to provide up to 12 sessions of licensed counseling (via telehealth if desired) for employees exposed to specific traumatic events in the line of duty, such as witnessing death, using deadly force, or responding to child-related incidents. Employers must cover up to 24 additional counseling sessions within one year if a mental health professional deems them necessary for recovery. The bill also prohibits requiring employees to use accrued leave for counseling appointments and ensures no loss of pay or benefits for up to 30 days if deemed unfit for duty during treatment, subject to specific conditions. It allows employees to select their own licensed mental health professional and clarifies that payment does not create a presumption of compensable claims.
HB 5417 would allow West Virginia school boards to authorize professional fireworks displays on public school property under strict safety conditions. Displays must be conducted only by pyrotechnicians licensed and certified by the State Fire Marshal (with permits required except for 1.4g fireworks), and school boards must approve requests in writing. Sponsoring organizations must provide $1 million in liability insurance naming the school board as an additional insured and assume responsibility for any damages or injuries. The bill mandates full compliance with state and federal safety regulations for all displays.
HB 5429 amends West Virginia's Foster Child Bill of Rights to replace the term "travel bag" with "luggage" and defines luggage as a suitcase, duffel bag, backpack, or similar container for personal belongings. This change ensures foster care children moving between placements have a proper, durable container to transport their belongings securely. The bill directly affects children in foster care who are transferred between homes, guaranteeing they can move personal items without relying on temporary or inadequate solutions. It clarifies an existing right without creating new state requirements or costs, focusing on practical implementation for child welfare agencies.
HB 5399 creates a 10% state tax credit against West Virginia's corporate net income tax for businesses that earn federal carbon sequestration credits (under IRS §45Q) for biochar manufacturing. The credit applies only to new biochar facilities operating in West Virginia after July 1, 2025, and matches the amount of the federal credit earned. It limits the credit to 50% of a business's annual tax liability and allows unused credits to carry forward (but not back before 2026). This directly affects businesses establishing qualifying biochar facilities, aligning state incentives with federal climate-focused manufacturing credits.
HB 5396 amends West Virginia law to permit charitable raffles to accept credit card payments instead of requiring cash or debit transactions. This change directly affects nonprofit organizations and charities that operate raffles as fundraising activities. The bill adds a new section (§47-21-31) to clarify that credit cards may be used for raffle purchases, removing a previous restriction. The policy change simplifies payment options for participants while maintaining the charitable nature of raffles.
HCR 17 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study pedestrian safety measures for the New River Gorge Bridge. It directs the committee to examine the feasibility, costs, and federal funding options for installing safety features, while ensuring Bridge Day events can continue. The resolution requires a 2027 report with findings and potential legislation, but does not mandate any safety changes or allocate funds. It directly affects the committee conducting the study and the Bridge Day Commission through consultation. This is a procedural request for research, not a bill implementing safety measures.
HB 5426 would add the Bradford Peat Pear (Pyrus calleryana) to West Virginia's official list of noxious weeds under the state's agricultural regulations. This designation directly affects farmers and landowners, as it would require measures to control or eradicate the plant to protect crops and agricultural land. The bill creates a new section (§19-12D-13) in the noxious weeds law, declaring the tree a "detriment to agriculture" and establishing it as a regulated weed. This policy change would trigger existing state requirements for managing noxious weeds, such as restrictions on sale, transport, and control methods.
HB 5408 would require West Virginia government entities (such as state agencies, counties, and municipalities) to obtain a court-issued warrant before sharing personal information for federal immigration enforcement. Before disclosing such data, agencies must verify with requesters - under penalty of perjury - whether the information is sought for immigration enforcement and, if so, demand a warrant from a federal or state court. The bill also mandates annual reports to the attorney general and legislature detailing the number of immigration-related requests received and how they were handled. This law directly affects local and state agencies that handle personal data, including law enforcement and social services departments.
HB 5425 amends West Virginia law to clarify how urban renewal authorities and land reuse agencies can acquire property. It specifically allows these agencies to purchase tax-delinquent properties meeting certain criteria (such as being valued under $100,000, vacant for 24+ months, or having municipal liens exceeding back taxes) with priority over other buyers. The bill requires municipalities to provide lists of qualifying properties to agencies and grants them the right to buy these properties by paying outstanding taxes. This directly affects urban renewal authorities, municipalities, and property owners with tax-delinquent properties in redevelopment zones.
HB 5392, the "West Virginia Public Adjuster Professional Standards Reform Act," establishes new licensing and operational requirements for public adjusters in the state. It requires all public adjusters to obtain a state license, pass exams, meet financial responsibility standards (including a $5,000 surety bond or $50,000 letter of credit), and comply with contract rules for working with insured clients. The bill directly affects public adjusters and their clients by setting clear standards for licensing, financial accountability, and professional conduct. Key provisions include mandatory background checks, proof of financial responsibility, and penalties for violations like fraud or failure to act. The bill is currently in committee referral following its introduction on February 10, 2026.
