SB 1015 creates the Drainage Remediation Fund in West Virginia's State Treasury to address drainage issues affecting state roads. The fund, administered by the Commissioner of Highways, provides financial support for drainage projects that protect state roads, including work on private property when necessary. County commissions, municipalities, and private landowners can apply for funding but must reimburse the fund for any requested project upgrades. Unobligated funds at year's end may revert to the State Road Fund at the Commissioner's discretion.
HB 5529 requires West Virginia's Department of Human Services to implement performance-based contracts with child-placing agencies by July 1, 2026. The bill mandates contracts that link payments to measurable outcomes like child safety, permanency, well-being, and foster parent recruitment, while requiring agencies to use evidence-based practices. It also establishes a minimum $1,000 payment per finalized adoption for agencies and allows performance-based payment incentives to encourage timely permanency for children. The law directly affects child-placing agencies, foster parents, and the Department of Human Services by changing how services are funded based on results.
SB 1055 requires the West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services to conduct regular, data-driven reviews of Medicaid reimbursement rates for substance use disorder services. The bill mandates that these reviews consider factors like provider costs, workforce wages, service utilization trends, geographic access, and inflation, while engaging stakeholders including treatment providers and consumer representatives. It establishes annual reporting requirements for the Bureau to share findings and methodology with the legislature, ensuring transparency in rate adjustments. This process directly affects Medicaid-funded treatment centers and aims to balance access to care with responsible fiscal management.
SB 1048 transfers the authority to decide which school positions (like teachers or support staff) must be eliminated due to lack of need from local county school boards to the West Virginia Board of Education. It requires county boards to report the funding source for positions exceeding the state’s base funding for educators and support staff. The state board must consider specific factors when making elimination decisions and must notify counties early enough to meet legal hiring deadlines. This bill directly affects all 55 West Virginia county school districts and their personnel decisions.
SB 399 creates the "Bring Them Home Fund" to finance renovating state-owned properties for in-state residential treatment services for children requiring acute psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, or trauma care. The fund, managed by West Virginia's Department of Human Services, will be used to expand local child welfare capacity and reduce reliance on out-of-state placements, which are more expensive and disrupt family connections. Funding sources include legislative appropriations, grants, donations, and investment income, with savings from fewer out-of-state placements to be reinvested. The bill authorizes the Department to collaborate with state agencies and private entities to repurpose properties and develop treatment programs matching the needs of children historically placed out-of-state.
HB 4500 authorizes Berkeley County Commission to levy a special excise tax on sales of tangible personal property and services within the Berkeley County Economic Opportunity Development District. This tax would fund economic development initiatives in the designated district, directly affecting businesses operating within its boundaries and residents who purchase taxable goods or services there. The bill specifies that the district will remain active until 2054, unless terminated earlier under existing law, and aligns with similar provisions for other counties’ economic districts. The tax is limited to sales within the district’s defined boundaries and must be approved through required legislative processes.
SB 619, the Stop the Bleed Act, requires West Virginia public schools to implement bleeding control programs starting in the 2026-2027 school year. It mandates schools to place bleeding control kits (containing tourniquets, bandages, gauze, gloves, and DHS/ACS instructional materials) in accessible locations, train staff every other year on wound control techniques, and integrate bleeding control education into high school curricula for grades 9-12. The bill also requires annual kit inspections, post-use restocking, and provides civil immunity for school personnel using kits unless gross negligence occurs. Funding may come from private donations or legislative appropriations. This law directly affects all West Virginia county school districts and their students and staff.
SB 752 transfers authority to permit motor vehicle racing events on public roads from county commissions to the West Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT). It repeals a provision allowing counties to authorize such events and instead requires racing organizers to obtain permits directly from the DOT, which will charge a fee to cover administrative costs. Organizers must provide proof of insurance, emergency planning, traffic control plans, and written permissions from local governments. The bill also clarifies that DOT permit requirements override certain road obstruction and speed laws, and shifts liability to permittees (not the state) for any injuries or property damage during sanctioned events.
SB 799 modifies eviction procedures in West Virginia by requiring landlords (petitioners) to file proof of serving the tenant (a return of service or return receipt) with the court after delivering an eviction notice. It mandates that courts schedule eviction hearings between 5 and 10 judicial days after the petition is filed and allows tenants to submit a written defense within five days of receiving the notice. These changes apply to both standard residential rentals and factory-built home site evictions. The bill aims to clarify and streamline the process for both landlords and tenants during eviction proceedings.
HB 5478 establishes a statewide pilot program distributing free, internet-free learning touchpads to eligible preschoolers in West Virginia to improve kindergarten readiness. The program targets children aged 3-4 who qualify based on family income (at or below federal poverty level), participation in programs like WIC or Head Start, or other risk factors identified by the state. Each touchpad kit includes preloaded early-learning apps, headphones, a protective case, and parent guides with daily activity suggestions and text-message tips. The West Virginia Department of Education will administer the program, partner with community organizations, and evaluate its impact on readiness metrics annually, while ensuring compliance with child privacy laws.
SB 1063 creates a new Economic Development Investment Fund in West Virginia's State Treasury to finance job-creating projects, support industry recruitment, fund infrastructure for large industrial users, and leverage private investment. The fund, administered by the Division of Economic Development, can provide loans, grants, or equity but cannot cover government operating costs or salary increases, with no single project receiving more than 25% of the fund balance. Entities receiving funds must sign performance agreements requiring job creation, private investment thresholds, and tax base expansion. The fund must maintain a minimum balance equal to one year of projected commitments and report annually to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.
SB 1079 requires the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) to accept premium payments from political subdivisions (such as counties, cities, and towns) via credit card or state purchasing card. The bill amends West Virginia law to explicitly add these payment methods to the list of acceptable ways to pay PEIA premiums, which currently include checks and electronic transfers. This change aligns PEIA's payment process with the state's Purchasing Card Program, making it easier for political subdivisions to pay insurance premiums using modern, convenient methods. The bill does not alter premium amounts or coverage requirements, only the payment options available.
