SB 973 proposes to create a criminal offense for individuals who dispose of or attempt to dispose of their property to avoid paying debts, fines, or fees without the creditor's knowledge or consent. This law would directly affect debtors who transfer assets to evade payment obligations to creditors. The bill amends West Virginia Code §61-3-24 to specify that such actions constitute a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. It clarifies that intentionally hiding or moving property to prevent debt collection is now explicitly prohibited under state law.
Senate Bill 976 allows West Virginia counties to optionally use county-wide voting centers on election day, meaning voters could cast ballots at any center within the county instead of being restricted to a specific precinct. Counties adopting this system must implement electronic poll books, provide public notice of voting center locations, and send voter notifications. The bill also permits early voting locations to function as election-day centers and establishes rules for receiving boards at these centers. Existing precinct boundaries remain in place for redistricting and municipal purposes, and counties are not required to adopt this change.
SB 753 establishes a formal Adopt-A-Road program in West Virginia, allowing individuals, groups, counties, or municipalities to volunteer for road maintenance. The program enables participants to provide labor, equipment, and materials for tasks like litter cleanup, pothole repair, or trail restoration on state-controlled roads. Participants must apply through the Division of Highways, sign an agreement, and follow safety rules, with the state covering up to 30% of material costs (100% for litter control using a dedicated fund). The bill also permits participants to display recognition signage at their project sites and requires all volunteers to indemnify the state against liability.
SB 960 adjusts liquor license rules for private clubs operating as bakeries, specifically allowing them to sell baked goods infused with alcohol (like wedding cakes with alcohol in icing or infused packets). It directly affects private bakeries with at least 50 members that meet strict kitchen equipment requirements, including ovens, refrigeration, and food preparation facilities. The bill permits alcohol infusion in baked goods but prohibits direct sales of liquor, wine, or beer - only the infused baked goods may be sold for on- or off-premises consumption. Key provisions include mandatory member minimums, specific kitchen standards, and restrictions on alcohol processing methods.
SB 971 establishes minimum fire safety standards for fully enclosed agritourism businesses in West Virginia, such as barns hosting events. It requires specific provisions including multiple exits based on occupant load, fire extinguishers at exits, carbon monoxide detectors for fuel-burning equipment, emergency lighting for windowless buildings, and written evacuation plans. Open-air facilities like gazebos, pavilions, and greenhouses are exempt from these requirements. The bill applies to new and existing enclosed agritourism structures seeking fire code exemptions, ensuring safety without altering agricultural property classifications.
HB 5191 requires West Virginia's Commissioner of Highways to install rumble strips on all double-yellow lined roads and highways. The bill mandates that a placement plan be developed by July 1, 2026, with implementation starting September 1, 2026, and completion by June 30, 2036. This directly affects state highway maintenance operations and drivers traveling on roads marked with double-yellow centerlines. The law focuses on a specific, measurable infrastructure change without altering driver behavior or road usage rules.
SB 149 allows contracted general counsel who have provided legal services for West Virginia executive agencies for 10 or more consecutive years to purchase retroactive service credit toward their Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) benefits. These counsel would pay the employee portion of the cost, while their agency covers the employer portion, with no interest or penalties applied for the retroactive credit. The service credit must be paid in full within 24 months of ending their contract, and cannot exceed one year of credit per calendar year for the period of service.
HB 4062 allows homeschool students participating in organized homeschool athletic teams to compete against West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) member schools in regular-season games. It requires homeschool organizations to follow similar health, safety, and eligibility rules as public/private schools and provide comparable insurance. Crucially, homeschool teams cannot be included in official WVSSAC rankings, standings, or postseason tournaments, and member schools may choose whether to schedule games with them. The bill ensures homeschool participation does not affect official records of WVSSAC member schools while creating a framework for their involvement.
HB 4065 amends West Virginia's Hope Scholarship Board composition by adding three parent members appointed by the Governor (with Senate approval). These parent members must be state residents from geographically diverse areas, represent parents of students in varied educational settings (like microschools), and serve staggered three-year terms. The bill maintains existing voting members (State Treasurer, Auditor, Attorney General) and non-voting members (Superintendent, Higher Education Chancellor, Minority Affairs Director), while specifying that parent appointments must meet residency and diversity requirements. This procedural change directly affects the board's makeup and the process for selecting parent representatives on the Hope Scholarship Board.
HB 4760 requires West Virginia health insurance plans to cover dietary supplements and nutrition prescriptions recommended by a patient's physician. This applies to all health insurance policies sold in the state and covers items defined as "nutritional wellness and prevention" (like vitamins, minerals, and dietary counseling) that improve health, strengthen immunity, or prevent disease. Insurance companies must cover these items only if they appear on an annual list maintained by the West Virginia Insurance Commission. The bill directly affects insurers, policyholders seeking these services, and the Insurance Commission responsible for updating the coverage list.
HB 4817 changes the name of West Virginia's "Charter Schools Stimulus Fund" to the "Charter Schools Startup Fund" and modifies its administration. The bill requires charter school applicants to submit applications directly to the West Virginia Professional Charter School Board, expands eligible uses of funds to cover startup costs like personnel, instructional materials, equipment, and building renovations, and eliminates prior financial capacity requirements. It mandates repayment with interest if schools fail to open within 30 months after receiving grants (up to $300,000 initially, plus $100,000 later), with the Board managing distributions based on funding availability. This bill directly affects new and existing charter school applicants and schools seeking startup financial support in West Virginia.
HB 4993 would amend West Virginia law to authorize the Division of Highways to use green flashing warning lights on its vehicles and equipment, at the Commissioner of Highways' discretion. Currently, only specific colors are permitted for certain emergency vehicles (e.g., blue for police, red for ambulances and fire trucks), with strict authorization rules. This bill adds green as an approved color for Highway vehicles, without mandating its use. It directly affects the Division of Highways' fleet, allowing flexibility in warning light colors for their operations. The change is procedural, focusing on updating vehicle lighting regulations rather than altering emergency response protocols.
