Housing

passed both · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 13, 2026

HJR 42: Homestead exemption

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead property tax exemption in West Virginia from $20,000 to $50,000. It directly affects homeowners and mobile home owners who are at least 65 years old or permanently disabled, as well as younger homeowners who would receive a phased-in exemption starting at a lower value. The amendment would allow the state legislature to set specific rules for how the exemption applies, including a five-year phase-in period for properties appraised before the law takes effect. Additionally, the bill grants the legislature authority to provide property tax relief to tenants of residential or farm property. The measure requires approval by voters at the 2026 general election to become part of the state constitution.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases homestead property tax exemption, providing tax relief to homeowners and reducing state tax revenue burden on eligible residents.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill increases homestead property tax exemption for seniors and disabled homeowners, reducing housing costs and supporting affordable housing access for vulnerable populations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

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signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 573: Relating to requirements for disclosures and recordkeeping by persons making mortgage loans

This bill updates West Virginia's mortgage lending laws to strengthen consumer protections and improve transparency for borrowers. It requires lenders and brokers to provide detailed closing statements that clearly show late payment penalty maximums and must include the borrower's signature, ensuring they understand the loan terms before finalizing the agreement. The bill also mandates that loan records be kept for 36 months and allows borrowers to request account statements and payoff information within specific timeframes without fees, except for third-party delivery costs. Additionally, it clarifies that a separate state-specific closing disclosure is not needed if the federal closing disclosure already contains all required information, reducing paperwork while maintaining compliance with state and federal standards.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens consumer protections and transparency in mortgage lending, which supports affordable housing access and protects borrowers from predatory practices.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages

passed · West Virginia · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 390: Altering conditions for flood resiliency disbursements

This bill modifies how West Virginia distributes funds from its Flood Resiliency Trust Fund to improve flood prevention and safety. It requires that at least 50% of all disbursements go to low-income areas and households, while another 50% must be used for nature-based solutions like floodplain restoration and property acquisition. The legislation also sets specific conditions for funding political subdivisions, requiring them to adopt updated road and bridge standards, flood hazard bylaws, local hazard mitigation plans, emergency operations plans, and meet FEMA community rating system requirements within 24 months. Ultimately, the State Resiliency Officer retains discretion over fund allocation but must follow these new prioritization rules and approval processes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates flood resiliency funds to low-income areas and nature-based solutions, strengthening government spending on essential public safety programs.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill allocates 50% of flood resiliency funds to nature-based solutions like floodplain restoration and property acquisition, directly supporting environmental conservation and natural resource protection.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill directs 50% of flood resiliency funds to low-income areas and households, protecting vulnerable housing and improving housing safety in flood-prone regions75% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 21, 2026

HB 5197: Relating to Civil Action to Set Aside a Tax Deed

HB 5197 shortens the time homeowners have to challenge a tax deed from two years to one year if they weren't properly notified of the sale. It requires anyone suing to set aside a tax deed to deposit full redemption funds with the court clerk before proceeding. The bill also strengthens the requirement that property purchasers must prove they made "reasonably diligent" efforts to notify potential owners before selling property at tax sale. These changes directly affect property owners who missed tax sale notices and tax deed purchasers seeking to secure title.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill shortens homeowner challenge period and requires funds upfront, making it harder to contest tax deeds. Weakens property rights protection, potentially leading to displacement. Not supporting housing stability or tenant rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Taxes

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 9, 2026

HB 5334: Relating to lease termination and tenant privacy

HB 5334 protects residential tenants in West Virginia who face safety threats. It allows tenants to end leases without penalty if they fear imminent violence from domestic abuse, sexual conduct, stalking, or sexual extortion - without requiring a conviction. Landlords cannot block tenants from calling police or penalize them for doing so, and must keep all related details (like the perpetrator's name or relocation address) confidential. The bill also prohibits landlords from using such information in databases or against tenants in eviction cases, while requiring written notice with proof of the threat before lease termination.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enables tenants facing domestic violence/stalking to terminate leases without penalty and requires landlord confidentiality, directly supporting victim safety and reducing barriers to reporting - aligns with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProtects tenants facing safety threats by allowing lease termination without penalty and prohibiting landlord retaliation, strengthening tenant rights per housing topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Policing Landlords Tenant Rights

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Feb 17, 2026

SB 968: Clarifying registration and purchaser requirements for tax-abandoned land auctions

SB 968 clarifies rules for selling land abandoned due to unpaid taxes in West Virginia. It requires bidders to register in advance or submit a notarized affidavit, disqualifying those with unpaid property taxes, recent code enforcement violations, or failure to comply with repair orders. Qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on housing or public facilities may purchase land if their bid is no more than 5% lower than the highest non-nonprofit bid. Unsold land after auction may be sold without further notice to adjacent landowners, the municipality, county commission, or the state land bank.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesClarifies tax-abandoned land auction rules to ensure bidders comply with tax obligations, promoting fiscal responsibility and revenue collection from unpaid tax properties.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllows housing-focused nonprofits to purchase tax-abandoned land at competitive bids (within 5% of highest non-nonprofit bid), enabling potential affordable housing development.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 16, 2026

HB 5632: Relating to local permitting deadlines

HB 5632 sets a 60-day deadline for West Virginia municipalities and counties to approve or deny permit applications for property development. If a local government misses this deadline, the permit is automatically approved, unless the request requires prior state or federal agency approval (extending the deadline to 120 days total). The bill also requires local officials to provide written reasons for denials or claims that an application is incomplete. It aims to give applicants more time for review while aligning with existing legal notice requirements under Chapter 8A.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingStreamlines permitting to accelerate housing development, reducing bureaucratic delays that hinder new construction and increase housing supply.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Tags Local Government

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 981: Imposing one-year moratorium on approval of certain public utility rate increases

SB 981 imposes a one-year pause (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027) on the Public Service Commission approving new rate increases for electric, natural gas, and water utilities serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers in West Virginia. It allows the Commission to reduce rates, disallow costs, or approve refunds during this period but prohibits new rate hikes. The bill requires a comprehensive study of methods to lower utility rates and mandates a report on findings and recommendations. This directly affects utilities and their customers by temporarily halting rate increases while evaluating long-term affordability solutions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents utility rate increases for residential customers, reducing a major cost factor in housing affordability. Directly lowers living expenses for housing occupants, aligning with affordable housing support indicators.80% confidence

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 3, 2026

HB 5152: Relating to the disconnection of residential utility during a State of Emergency

HB 5152 prohibits public utilities from disconnecting residential electricity, gas, or water services during a state of emergency declared by the governor. It requires utilities to offer residential customers a payment plan to cover overdue bills without late fees or penalties, and to restore service within 48 hours for those disconnected during the emergency. The bill also bans disconnections for 180 days after the emergency ends for customers facing financial hardship due to the emergency. Utilities must notify customers about these protections and make reasonable efforts to contact affected households to provide payment plan options.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill protects residential utility consumers from disconnection during emergencies, aligning with consumer protection in the utilities sector (a core energy infrastructure component) without restricting energy production or renewables.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents utility disconnections during emergencies, protecting tenants from displacement and financial hardship, aligns with tenant protection policies in housing legislation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Energy Resilience Utility Regulation

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 17, 2026

HB 5635: To create the Coalfield Housing Revitalization Tax Credit Act.

HB 5635 creates a 50% state tax credit for property owners who rehabilitate vacant or dilapidated residential properties in designated "coalfield" counties. The credit applies to eligible rehabilitation costs and requires properties to be used as workforce housing for educators, healthcare workers, first responders, and public employees. Projects supported by county commissions, housing authorities, or municipal redevelopment agencies receive priority. "Coalfield" counties are defined as those with historical or current economic ties to coal mining, including past or present coal-related industry activity. The bill is currently under review by the House Finance Committee.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates 50% tax credit for rehabilitating workforce housing, providing tax relief for property owners and supporting affordable housing initiatives.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates 50% tax credit for rehabilitating vacant properties into workforce housing for essential workers, directly funding affordable housing development in designated counties.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentDesignates workforce housing for educators, healthcare workers, and public employees, directly supporting their housing needs as part of employment stability and retention.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Taxes

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