West Virginia Bills | MyRepTracker

passed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 14, 2026

SCR 6: Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study certain grounds for divorce

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the effects of using voluntary separation and irreconcilable differences as grounds for divorce in West Virginia. The study will examine how these divorce grounds impact children's academic performance and mental health, as well as adults' reliance on state assistance and mental well-being. It will also analyze how much court funding is used for these specific divorce cases and review similar policies in other states. The committee is asked to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature in 2027, with study costs covered by legislative appropriations.

passed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 14, 2026

SCR 9: Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study decline of eastern gray fox population in WV

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to investigate the reasons behind the decline of eastern gray fox populations in West Virginia and develop strategies to stabilize and increase their numbers. The bill directs the committee to study ecological factors, economic impacts on trappers, and potential causes for the population decrease since the early 2000s. The committee must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the 2027 regular session, including any proposed legislation needed to address the issue. Funding for the study, report preparation, and potential legislation drafting will come from existing legislative appropriations to the committee.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 14, 2026

SCR 5: Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study need for School Finance Transparency Commission

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study how state and local funds are spent by county school boards under the Public School Support Program. The study will examine spending patterns, enrollment changes, and staffing costs to determine if a new School Finance Transparency Commission is needed to improve financial reporting and public understanding of education funding. The committee must submit its findings and recommendations to state leaders by December 31, 2026, with any proposed legislation to be reported to the 2027 legislative session. This measure does not change current funding laws but instead initiates a review process to inform potential future policy adjustments.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

passed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 14, 2026

SR 67: Recognizing dedicated public service of Honorable Michael Andrew Woelfel

This Senate resolution formally recognizes the dedicated public service of Honorable Michael Andrew Woelfel, a former West Virginia State Senator. The bill honors his career as a prosecutor, juvenile court referee, university professor, and legislator who served three consecutive terms in the Senate. It expresses the Senate's appreciation for his contributions to West Virginia citizens and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Woelfel. This is a commemorative measure with no policy changes or budgetary impact.

Mike Azinger (R) · 32 co-sponsors

passed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 14, 2026

SCR 8: Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study access in public secondary schools to athletic trainers

This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study how athletic trainers are currently accessed in public high schools and to investigate ways to improve their availability. The resolution directs the committee to examine the safety and health needs of student athletes and to explore educational opportunities for individuals seeking to become athletic trainers in West Virginia. The committee must submit a report by January 1, 2027, to state leaders with findings and recommendations on expanding athletic trainer access and sports medicine education. Funding for the study will come from existing legislative appropriations to the committee.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

passed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 14, 2026

SCR 10: Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study feasibility of hunters buying upland game bird stamps with standard hunting licenses

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests a study by the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to examine whether hunters in West Virginia should be required to buy an additional upland game bird stamp when purchasing a standard hunting license. The proposed stamp would apply to hunters targeting species like ruffed grouse, bobwhite quail, and ring-necked pheasant specifically within wildlife management areas. The resolution includes preliminary data suggesting a $10 stamp could generate about $37,000 in revenue if half of the approximately 7,300 licensed hunters purchased it, with funds potentially used to stock more game birds. The committee is asked to report its findings and any legislative recommendations by the 2027 regular session, with study costs covered through existing legislative appropriations.

passed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 14, 2026

SR 66: Designating March 14, 2026, as McDowell County day

This Senate resolution designates March 14, 2026, as McDowell County Day at the West Virginia Legislature to honor the county's historical and cultural significance. The bill recognizes McDowell County's role in early American history, its contributions to the state's economy through coal mining, and its legacy of civil rights and community resilience. It directs the legislative clerk to send a copy of the resolution to a representative of the McDowell County Commission.

passed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 14, 2026

SR 68: Recognizing dedicated public service of Honorable Charles Houston Clements

This Senate resolution formally recognizes the dedicated public service of Honorable Charles Houston Clements, a former West Virginia state senator. The bill honors Clements for his legislative career, including his service as Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and his decision not to seek reelection in 2026. It expresses the Senate's appreciation for his commitment to serving West Virginia citizens and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Clements.

Mike Azinger (R) · 32 co-sponsors

passed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 14, 2026

SCR 7: Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study ongoing water crisis in southern WV

This legislative resolution asks the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to investigate the ongoing water quality and infrastructure problems in southern West Virginia, especially in McDowell and Wyoming counties. The study will examine causes of poor water quality, potential contamination sources, the condition of existing water systems, and whether state agencies are properly regulating the situation. The committee is required to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by the 2027 session, with costs covered by legislative funding.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 14, 2026

HB 5286: Supplemental Appropriation to the Department of Homeland Security-Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation from the Unappropriated Surplus Balance

HB 5286 adds $1.5 million in supplemental funding from West Virginia's unappropriated surplus balance to the Department of Homeland Security's Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation for equipment purchases during fiscal year 2026. This new appropriation, designated as "Equipment - Surplus" under Fund 0450, directly supports correctional facilities by providing resources for equipment needs without increasing overall state spending. The bill uses existing surplus funds identified in the Governor's Executive Budget Document, specifically reallocating unappropriated revenue to address immediate equipment requirements for correctional units. It does not create new policies or change eligibility but adjusts budget allocations for operational support.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 14, 2026

HB 5510: Eliminate the requirement for private wedding venues to own or lease 2 acres in rural location.

HB 5510 removes a requirement that private wedding venues in West Virginia must own or lease at least two acres of land in a rural area to operate. This change directly affects private wedding venues, particularly those in rural locations that previously faced this land-use barrier. The bill amends West Virginia Code §60-7-2 (relating to private club licenses) to eliminate the two-acre minimum, simplifying licensing for these venues. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2026, after passing through legislative committees.

passed both · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 14, 2026

HB 5412: Future Ready Education Act

The Future Ready Education Act allows West Virginia school districts to enter multi-year contracts for educational technology with a technology licensing component, provided they document fiscal savings and include a 30-day cancellation clause. It extends the Mountain State Digital Project to cover grades 9-12 and adds tutoring in reading, math, science, and career-technical education. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, all kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers must complete training in the science of reading, with public charter school educators permitted to voluntarily participate. The bill directly affects school districts, K-5 teachers, and students in public schools across West Virginia.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Technology