HB 5492 allows West Virginia's Department of Economic Development to pre-purchase standardized electric substation transformers from regulated utilities to accelerate industrial and commercial development projects. The bill specifies technical requirements for transformers (e.g., 150-200 MVA capacity, specific voltage levels) and authorizes the state to pay for initial ordering costs while utilities retain ownership until assigned to qualifying projects like industrial parks. If transformers aren't assigned by delivery, the state covers remaining costs and utilities hold them for future projects or system use. The state can recover funds through utility rate adjustments, project agreements, or other approved methods, without requiring Public Service Commission approval for these purchases.
SB 1069 updates West Virginia's Unclaimed Property Act to include digital financial assets like cryptocurrency under the law. The bill defines "digital financial asset" (including virtual currency) as intangible property, requiring holders (such as banks and businesses) to follow the same procedures for unclaimed digital assets as they do for traditional property. It adds new sections to clarify administrative processes while preserving flexibility for the State Treasurer, who manages unclaimed property. This change ensures the law aligns with modern financial practices without altering core requirements for property holders.
SB 1072 creates a new West Virginia Land Use Association Division within the Secretary of State's office to regulate entities managing residential communities. The bill requires all Land Use Associations (LUAs) - including homeowner associations, condominium councils, and unit property associations - to register with the Secretary of State, maintain $200,000 in liability insurance covering lawsuits against the association or its board, and pay a registration fee (amount unspecified in text). This directly affects LUAs operating communities where ownership requires mandatory membership and assessments that can become liens on property. The law establishes new administrative requirements but does not alter existing governance or financial structures of these associations.
SB 1066 protects burial rights for individuals who own cemetery lots or grave spaces in West Virginia. It requires cemetery operators to provide reasonable access for interments (burials), prohibits restrictions based solely on scheduling convenience, and bans retroactively changing rules to harm existing lot owners' rights. The bill defines "abandoned" or "endangered" cemeteries (where no responsible owner exists or the site faces physical threats) and establishes state authority to intervene. It directly affects lot owners (who hold property rights to burial plots) and cemetery operators by setting enforceable standards for access, services, and preventing evasion of cemetery obligations. The bill does not create new burial rules but codifies existing protections and clarifies enforcement mechanisms.
SB 1068 would permit the death penalty for first-degree murder of a minor aged 16 or younger, or for first-degree sexual assault of a minor aged 16 or younger. It establishes that a minor victim under 16 is an aggravating circumstance requiring physical evidence (like DNA or an uncoerced confession) to trigger the death penalty. The bill adds new sentencing procedures, including a separate jury hearing to determine if the death penalty applies, with unanimous jury agreement required for a death sentence. This would directly affect defendants convicted of these specific crimes against minors in West Virginia. The bill repeals existing provisions (§61-11-2) related to capital punishment for such offenses.
This is a ceremonial resolution (SR 45), not a substantive bill. It designates February 23, 2026, as "West Virginia American Academy of Pediatrics Child Health Advocacy Day" at the state legislature. The resolution recognizes the West Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (a group of 267 pediatric providers) for their work promoting children's health. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it simply honors the organization's advocacy efforts. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 23, 2026, via voice vote.
HB 5681 would allow qualified certified nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives in West Virginia to prescribe, administer, and dispense prescription drugs without needing a collaborating physician. Currently, state law requires these professionals to have a written agreement with a physician to prescribe medications, but the bill removes this requirement. The legislation amends specific sections of the West Virginia Code governing registered nurses and their practice standards. This change would directly affect nurse practitioners and midwives by expanding their independent prescribing authority for medications.
SB 1070 authorizes West Virginia's School Building Authority to use existing funds for specific grounds and site improvements that protect school buildings' structural safety and integrity. It allows funding for drainage systems, erosion control, soil stabilization, and related engineering services when needed to prevent foundation damage, flooding, or structural threats - excluding purely aesthetic landscaping or routine maintenance. The bill requires written certification from a licensed engineer confirming that proposed improvements are necessary for building safety before approval. This directly affects public school facilities statewide by enabling proactive, cost-effective protection of school infrastructure. The measure expands the Authority's existing funding powers to address site conditions threatening building safety, with implementation effective 90 days after passage.
SB 763 requires all children entering foster care, kinship care, or residential placements in West Virginia to be screened for sex or labor trafficking by a trained advocate upon their first entry into the system. It also mandates screening for youth recovered after going missing from such placements and periodic screenings while children remain in care. The bill specifies that an evidence-based tool must be used for all screenings, and if trafficking is indicated, the Department of Human Services must provide immediate support services. This law directly affects every child in West Virginia's foster care system, aiming to identify and assist trafficking victims early.
HB 5661 increases Medicaid dental provider reimbursement rates in West Virginia. It expands Medicaid coverage for diagnostic/preventative and restorative dental services (excluding cosmetic procedures) to adults aged 21+ with a $2,000 per two-year spending limit. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to raise dental provider payments by at least 20% by December 1, 2028, and mandates annual reports on dental program costs. This directly affects dental providers who treat Medicaid patients and adult Medicaid beneficiaries seeking dental care.
HB 5651 creates a statewide program to support West Virginia microbusinesses (defined as businesses with 9 or fewer employees). It establishes a permanent state fund to provide grants for training, equipment, and microloans through partner organizations, while requiring state agencies to pay certified microbusiness vendors within 15 days for goods or services. The bill also mandates simplified compliance guides for small businesses when new rules affect them and encourages awarding small state contracts to certified microbusinesses. This program prioritizes rural areas, veteran-owned businesses, and entrepreneurs lacking traditional financing access.
SB 1078 clarifies rules for schools to stock and use epinephrine auto-injectors to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). It allows schools to maintain epinephrine supplies without requiring a prior diagnosis for each student or staff member, and permits trained non-medical staff (including bus drivers) to administer it during emergencies if they reasonably believe anaphylaxis is occurring. The bill specifies that epinephrine must be stored securely, accessible only to medical personnel or designated trained staff, and can be used for students with existing prescriptions or in emergency situations. This directly affects schools, students, staff, and visitors who may experience allergic reactions during school activities or transportation.
