HB 5626 amends West Virginia law governing how public utilities set new rates and recover costs. It requires utilities to provide 30 days' notice before changing rates, with the Public Service Commission able to delay implementation for up to 270 days (shorter for smaller utilities with fewer than 5,000 customers). The bill also mandates that the Commission must use certain data submitted by utilities in rate cases and allows utilities to voluntarily submit future "test year" data for rate calculations. This directly affects electric, gas, water, and sewer utilities operating in West Virginia, particularly those with 2,500-7,500 customers.
HB 5471 increases annual salaries for West Virginia judges and magistrates, effective July 1, 2026. It raises magistrates' pay to $75,880 (from $63,250), Supreme Court justices to $154,600 (from $149,600), circuit judges to $143,600 (from $138,600), and family court judges to $126,424 (from $103,950). The bill also clarifies retirement contribution rules for judicial positions. These changes directly affect all active state judges and magistrates, with no county-level funding required for these salary adjustments.
Senate Bill 765 amends West Virginia law to allow retail liquor outlets to discount "stagnant" liquor (inventory not sold for over two years) below standard minimum markup requirements. Retailers can now sell such liquor to other licensees at 85% of their cost (down from 115%) and to the general public at 90% of cost (down from 110%), after submitting documentation and commissioner approval. This directly affects licensed retail liquor stores in West Virginia that hold unsold inventory. The bill changes specific pricing provisions in §60-3A-17 without altering the requirement that retailers must purchase liquor from the state.
SB 1023 creates a "Responsible Recreation" special license plate for West Virginia vehicle owners, requiring a $50 initial fee and $25 annual renewal fee. Proceeds beyond administrative costs fund a special "Responsible Recreation Fund" managed by the Division of Natural Resources. The fund may only be used for ATV/UTV safety education, safety signage, volunteer stewardship programs on public roads/trails, and responsible recreation outreach - prohibiting land acquisition or general marketing. This directly affects license plate buyers and supports off-highway vehicle safety and environmental stewardship programs.
SB 1030 creates a new legal framework for "decentralized unincorporated nonprofit associations" (DUNAs) in West Virginia, allowing nonprofits with at least 100 members to operate without formal incorporation while using digital ledger systems (like blockchain) for governance. The bill defines DUNAs, sets requirements for membership and governance (including the use of smart contracts), and outlines rules for member rights, property management, dissolution, and conversion to other entity types. It directly affects nonprofit groups seeking a decentralized structure that relies on digital technology for decision-making rather than traditional corporate governance. The law establishes a clear regulatory path for these associations under West Virginia law.
This bill requires West Virginia's Office of Broadband to coordinate with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division on specific consumer complaints about broadband service. It establishes clear rules for broadband providers, including giving subscribers credits for service interruptions over 24 hours, banning discrimination based on protected characteristics, and mandating 30 days' written notice before rate increases. Providers must also inform customers about unresolved billing or service disputes and provide written notice of complaint resolution processes. This directly affects broadband companies and their subscribers across West Virginia, ensuring consistent handling of consumer issues between state agencies.
SB 961 requires West Virginia executive agencies with rule-making authority to identify at least two existing regulations for elimination whenever they propose a new regulation. This rule-making policy amendment (amending Code §29A-3-20) directly affects all state agencies that create or maintain regulations. Key provisions include mandating agencies to review state rules against federal counterparts, provide public comment periods, and submit reports to legislative committees about stringent rules. The bill aims to reduce regulatory burden by ensuring new rules are balanced with the removal of older ones.
SB 1018 clarifies that land used primarily for farming remains eligible for preferential farm property tax classification even if owners or tenants operate minor non-farming business activities (such as agritourism or small retail), provided farming remains the dominant use. This directly affects West Virginia farm owners and tenants who run side ventures without losing their farm tax status. The bill requires the Agriculture Commissioner to establish specific criteria for qualifying land, ensuring farming is the primary purpose and preventing disqualification due to incidental commercial activities. It does not change tax rates but refines the definition to prevent unintended loss of farm classification for properties with limited non-farming operations.
Senate Bill 1019 requires health insurance plans in West Virginia to cover medically necessary treatment for cleft lip and cleft palate. This applies directly to individuals with these congenital conditions, particularly children, who rely on insurance for surgical and medical care. The bill mandates coverage for all necessary treatments without excluding specific procedures, ensuring plans cover the full range of care deemed medically appropriate by a physician. It sets eligibility and defines coverage terms but does not specify cost-sharing details or financial limits.
This bill ensures county school boards receive funding for students who qualify for West Virginia's Hope Scholarship but choose not to use it. Specifically, if a student isn't enrolled in a public school but is eligible for the scholarship (and declines it), the county board gets the same funding they would receive if the student attended a public school. The funding comes from the Hope Scholarship Program Fund and applies to students residing in the county. This change directly affects county school budgets and students who opt out of the scholarship program.
SB 1027 modifies eligibility requirements for West Virginia's Invests Grant Program to expand access for high school students. It removes the requirement for a high school diploma or equivalent for students enrolled in 11th or 12th grade who are participating in dual-enrollment programs at approved institutions. To qualify, these students must meet residency and citizenship requirements, be admitted to an approved institution, demonstrate financial need and academic promise (without needing a diploma), and be on track to graduate high school. The bill specifically amends sections of the West Virginia Code related to higher education grant eligibility and dual-enrollment access.
SB 1031 would increase the maximum county solid waste assessment fee from $1.00 to $1.50 per ton for waste disposal. This bill directly affects West Virginia counties and regional solid waste authorities, which collect these fees. The key provision amends §7-5-22 of the state code to allow the higher fee rate, with all collected funds required to cover administration costs, refuse cleanup, litter control, and other solid waste programs. The bill does not change current fee structures but raises the allowable maximum rate by 50 cents per ton.
