SB 540 requires Child Protective Services (CPS) workers in West Virginia to wear body-worn cameras during investigations of child abuse or neglect, but only after obtaining consent from the person being investigated in private settings where privacy is expected. CPS workers may skip using the camera if it would compromise a child's privacy or hinder the investigation, but they must document the reason in the case file. All audio and video recordings must be kept confidential, stored until all appeals are resolved, and treated as part of the official child welfare record, not subject to public disclosure. This bill directly affects CPS workers and individuals involved in child welfare investigations.
HB 4986 amends West Virginia law to clarify when parental abandonment is presumed, especially for incarcerated parents. It states that abandonment is presumed when a parent is jailed for a significant portion of the child's minority (considering the child's age and need for stability) or for serious crimes like sexual assault, murder, or violent offenses. The bill also requires child welfare agencies to seek termination of parental rights when a child has been in foster care for 15 of the last 22 months, or when a court finds the child abandoned, abused, or when a parent committed specific violent or sexual crimes against the child. This directly affects parents facing incarceration for certain offenses and children in foster care or abuse cases.
HB 5203 prohibits West Virginia municipalities from issuing any local identification card specifically for voting in municipal elections. It requires that any identification used for voting must already be authorized by state law for statewide elections, preventing cities from creating their own voting IDs. The bill directly affects local governments that might have considered adopting unique municipal ID systems for election purposes. This ensures municipal elections follow the same voter ID standards as state elections, without creating additional local requirements.
HB 5683 requires West Virginia's State Board of Education to establish minimum graduation standards for public high schools. These standards may include specific course credits, competency demonstrations, or assessments to ensure students are prepared for college or careers. The bill also mandates that every graduate receive a certificate of proficiency detailing their skills, readiness for employment, and any completed academic major. This bill directly affects all public high school students in West Virginia and aims to standardize graduation requirements across the state.
HB 5106 allows the Cabell County Board of Education to provide funds from its special and excess levies to the Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District. This would give the park district an additional funding source for maintaining parks and recreational facilities, using money currently collected for educational purposes. The park district must submit a written request for these funds, and the school board would then decide whether to transfer them. The bill does not require the school board to provide funds, only authorizes the option.
HB 5557 requires real estate developers selling time-share properties to submit all advertising materials - including brochures, radio/TV transcripts, and sales presentations - to the State Auditor’s Division of Land Sales within 10 days of use. The bill applies directly to sellers (developers or agents) offering time-share units, mandating that these materials be filed alongside the initial public offering statement. It also prohibits misleading claims about property improvements, future price increases, or availability, ensuring transparency for potential buyers. This amendment updates West Virginia’s time-sharing regulations to strengthen pre-sale disclosure requirements.
HB 5463 amends West Virginia law to increase liability insurance requirements for county school boards and their personnel. It mandates minimum $1 million liability coverage from the State Board of Risk and Insurance Management for teachers, administrators, superintendents, and school board members, plus $5 million in additional excess coverage that counties must purchase. The bill requires comprehensive coverage including malpractice, corporal punishment, and legal liability, along with annual written notice to all covered staff about their insurance details. This affects all public school employees and officials in county districts and participating public charter schools. The bill passed the House on March 3, 2026, and is now before the Senate Banking and Insurance committee.
HB 5660 amends West Virginia's statute governing concealed weapons licenses, updating the process for obtaining a permit to carry deadly weapons (specifically pistols and revolvers). It affects both West Virginia residents (requiring a $50 fee) and nonresidents (requiring a $100 fee), who must submit detailed applications verifying citizenship/residency, age (21+), criminal history (no recent felonies/misdemeanors involving violence or domestic abuse), and background checks. The bill specifies required applicant information including personal details, proof of lawful status, and compliance with federal firearm restrictions. It also waives the weapon-handling qualification requirement for renewal applicants. This legislation modifies existing licensing procedures without changing the core eligibility criteria.
HB 5321 requires that children entering foster care or transition homes in West Virginia receive educational evaluations for special education services (like IEPs or 504 plans) within 30 days, instead of the previous standard timeline. This directly affects children in foster care who need special education support, ensuring they don’t face delays in accessing critical services when their living situation changes. The bill creates a new legal requirement (§18-20-13) to guarantee these evaluations are completed promptly. It does not alter existing service delivery but mandates a specific 30-day deadline for initial assessments. The bill passed the House in March 2026 and is now before the Senate Education Committee.
HB 5554 modifies funding rules for political party headquarters in West Virginia. It sets a $10,000 annual limit per donor for contributions to party headquarters committees and caps total funding at $1 million per party. The bill prohibits using these funds for satellite offices, political activities, or non-headquarters expenses. It also requires detailed financial reporting to the Secretary of State for contributions exceeding $250, including donor names and contribution amounts. This directly affects state and county political parties maintaining physical headquarters.
HB 5413 creates a Central Abuse Registry managed by the West Virginia State Police to track individuals convicted of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property involving children, incapacitated adults, or adults receiving behavioral health services in specific settings like residential care facilities, day care centers, or home care. It requires registrants to provide personal details (name, DOB, SSN) and pay an annual $125 fee to the circuit clerk, with fees funding mental health services for State Police employees. The registry combines existing requirements, so those already registering as sex offenders only pay one $125 fee instead of separate fees. Failure to pay the fee does not violate supervised release, but unpaid fees may result in a recorded judgment lien.
HB 4471 requires all rental properties in West Virginia to have approved sewage systems instead of straight piping sewage. It specifically applies to landlords of rental properties, including those previously used as primary owner-occupied homes that are now rented. The bill mandates that these properties must update plumbing to current standards and install approved sewer systems. This policy directly affects landlords and rental property owners by setting new infrastructure requirements for sewage handling.
