HB 5641 requires all state, county, municipal, and government-controlled entities (like boards or commissions) to publicly share financial data through West Virginia's Checkbook system or an approved similar platform. Entities must update financial records within two months of transactions and prominently link to this data on their websites and social media annually. Non-compliance incurs penalties: $500 per quarter for failing to participate, plus escalating monthly fines of $50 per month beyond the two-month deadline for late reporting. The law takes effect for all entities by the start of their 2027 fiscal year.
HB 5663 requires 30 days' written notice before filing lawsuits against the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC). It establishes specific procedures for delivering this notice and tolls the statute of limitations during the notice period. The bill allows exceptions for claims seeking injunctive relief (court orders to stop actions) and mandates that all legal actions involving WVSSAC must be filed and prosecuted exclusively in Kanawha County. This bill directly affects schools, students, parents, or organizations seeking to sue WVSSAC over athletic or extracurricular regulations.
HB 5678 amends the Build WV Act to replace a $150 million total project cost cap with a $2 million annual cap on new tax credit liability for projects approved in each fiscal year. It specifically allows smaller rural projects to qualify for credits while clarifying the cap applies only to new project approvals, not existing projects. The bill also establishes a Build WV Credit Reserve Fund (starting at $2 million) to cover refundable tax credits for completed projects, requiring annual adjustments based on demand and usage. These changes directly affect companies seeking Build WV tax credits by altering how credits are calculated and capped, with the reserve fund ensuring payment for approved credits.
HB 5677 establishes the Coalfield Career Pipeline Program to expand workforce training in West Virginia's coalfield counties. The bill authorizes mobile career and technical education units, paid apprenticeships, certification programs, and employer partnerships focused on priority industries like commercial driving, healthcare, construction, and emerging energy trades. It prioritizes collaborative applications involving schools, workforce boards, and local governments. The program aims to directly support residents in these economically transitioning communities by connecting them to in-demand jobs.
West Virginia's HCR 19 is a resolution urging Congress to call a Convention of States under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution states that two-thirds of state legislatures have already applied for such a convention to propose a balanced budget amendment, making it Congress's constitutional duty to convene it immediately. It specifies the convention would be limited to fiscal responsibility proposals, with states selecting their own commissioners. The resolution also declares West Virginia's readiness to host the convention if chosen, emphasizing states' constitutional right to initiate this process without congressional interference.
HB 5634, the Last-Mile Broadband for Coalfield Counties Act, aims to expand high-speed internet access in specific West Virginia counties historically tied to coal mining. It directly affects residents and institutions in "coalfield counties" (defined as areas with historical or current economic ties to coal mining) by prioritizing broadband deployment to schools, emergency services, and unserved communities. The bill requires projects to verify service availability and speed through testing, with preference given to regional efforts involving local governments. It establishes a formal framework for broadband expansion but does not specify funding sources or timelines.
This House Resolution (HR 17) requests federal authorities - including the Justice Department and FBI - to conduct a full, transparent investigation into Jeffrey Epstein-related files and release non-classified records. It specifically urges special attention to any individuals or entities with ties to West Virginia, such as public officials or businesses. The resolution aims to restore public trust by ensuring accountability for potential violations of state law connected to Epstein’s activities. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new legal requirements but formally encourages federal action.
HB 5647, the "Open and Equal Opportunities in Student Activities Act," allows homeschooled students, Hope Scholarship participants, and students at nonpublic schools to join extracurricular activities - including sports - at public or nonpublic schools that are members of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission. This applies when their own school doesn’t offer the activity or isn’t a commission member. Students must register with their county school board, pay standard fees, follow school rules, and be covered by the school’s insurance. The bill clarifies participation doesn’t guarantee a spot on a team or activity, and students transferring mid-year follow standard transfer protocols.
HB 5658, the Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis Act (Ryan’s Law), allows terminally ill patients (with a life expectancy of one year or less) to use medicinal cannabis in designated health care facilities in West Virginia. It requires facilities to permit use without smoking or vaping, store cannabis securely, document it in medical records, and create facility-specific guidelines - while excluding emergency departments and chemical dependency hospitals. The bill clarifies that facilities cannot ban use solely due to federal Schedule I classification but permits suspension if federal agencies take enforcement actions against such programs. It does not require facilities to recommend cannabis or include it in discharge plans.
HB 5672 imposes an annual excise tax on opioid manufacturers and distributors selling Schedule II drugs to West Virginia pharmacies. The tax equals one cent per 100 pills multiplied by the previous year's state opioid overdose death count (as reported by the Department of Health). Pharmacies collect this tax from manufacturers/distributors (not patients) and remit it to the Ryan Brown Addiction Prevention and Recovery Fund. This revenue directly funds state addiction prevention and recovery programs. The tax rate adjusts yearly based on updated overdose statistics.
HJR 39 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how the West Virginia State Board of Education is structured. It would replace the current system of nine governor-appointed members with five elected regional members (serving four-year terms, limited to two terms) and four appointed members (serving staggered terms). The amendment requires the Board to submit proposed policies to the Legislature for review, approval, or rejection. This change, if approved by voters in 2026, would take effect for the 2028 election cycle and directly affects how board members are selected and how education policies are reviewed.
HB 5654 would exempt retirement benefits received by West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Police Officers from the state's personal income tax. This directly affects current and future DNR Police Officers who receive retirement benefits under state retirement systems. The bill adds a new provision (§11-21-12o) to the tax code, removing the requirement for these officers to pay income tax on their retirement payments. The bill was introduced on February 17, 2026, and referred to the House Finance Committee for review.
