HB 4973 raises West Virginia's state minimum teacher salary to $50,000 beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, affecting all public school teachers across the state. The bill updates the salary schedule to guarantee a minimum base salary of $50,000 for every teacher regardless of experience or degree level, while also adding a $2,000 annual increase for all teachers. Additionally, teachers providing math instruction or special education services receive an extra $1,200 minimum salary increase. This amendment to West Virginia Code §18A-4-2 directly changes the state's minimum pay structure for educators starting in 2026-2027.
HB 4947 allows state employees and school children to claim religious exemptions from required vaccines by submitting a notarized certification of religious belief. For employees, the exemption also covers conscientious objections, and employers cannot penalize them through withheld bonuses, pay raises, or denied promotions. Schools must accept the certification for enrollment without requiring additional medical documentation, while the list of required vaccines remains unchanged. The bill expands existing exemption options without altering vaccine requirements.
SB 516 sets a new state minimum salary of $50,000 for all West Virginia public school teachers beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, replacing the previous minimum schedule. It also provides a $2,000 annual base salary increase for every teacher and an additional $1,200 annual increase specifically for teachers providing math instruction or special education services. The bill amends the state salary schedule to reflect these changes, ensuring all teachers meet the new $50,000 minimum regardless of experience level or degree. This policy directly affects every public school teacher in West Virginia, with the changes taking effect for the 2026-2027 school year.
HB 4733 requires most health insurance plans in West Virginia to cover breastfeeding and lactation consultant services without deductibles, copays, or coinsurance starting January 1, 2026. It applies to enrollees (including children) under health benefit plans, defining covered services as outpatient support during pregnancy and postpartum provided by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants or certified lactation counselors. Medicaid will reimburse providers meeting program requirements, and insurers must include this coverage without reducing other benefits. The mandate excludes dental-only, accident, or long-term care plans, as specified in the bill.
This bill allows classroom teachers who joined the West Virginia Teachers Retirement System on or after July 1, 2015, to sell up to 10 unused personal leave days to their county school board for a cash payment. Teachers would receive 80% of the rate paid to a substitute teacher with a bachelor's degree and 10 years of experience for each day sold, with payment required by June 30. Once sold, the leave days are forfeited and cannot be used for future absences.
SB 678 amends West Virginia law to make the Director of the Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training a voting member of the Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety (previously nonvoting). It also clarifies that the board may take action when a quorum is present, standardizing meeting procedures. This directly affects the board’s decision-making process, as the Director will now have a vote on coal mine health and safety regulations and policies.
HB 4941 increases pay for special education staff in West Virginia. It requires special education aides (specifically Aide V) to be paid at the same rate as Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teachers, plus an additional 5% raise. Self-contained special education teachers receive a 10% salary increase. The bill also defines a "critical vacancy" as a position needed for student success and safety, mandating that certified staff fill such roles until a permanent hire is made.
SB 402 expands West Virginia's apprenticeship tax credit to $2 per hour (capped at $2,000 annually per apprentice) for wages paid to registered apprentices in construction trades, directly benefiting employers and apprentices. It creates a new West Virginia Micro-Credential Program under the Higher Education Policy Commission to support workforce training. The bill also modifies tax rules to allow deductions for contributions to and receipts from voluntary portable benefits plans, and removes proficiency exam requirements for military-trained applicants seeking professional licenses. These changes aim to increase workforce participation and simplify licensing for veterans.
This bill authorizes West Virginia's Office of Miners' Health, Safety, and Training to implement a specific rule (56 CSR 08) governing how coal mining operations must submit and get approval for their comprehensive Mine Safety Programs. It directly affects coal mining companies in West Virginia by requiring them to follow this standardized process for safety program submissions. The key mechanism is formalizing an existing rule that was filed with the State Register in September 2024, ensuring it has legislative backing for enforcement. The bill does not create new safety standards but establishes the procedural framework for program approval.
HB 4014, the Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act, creates a state-run micro-credential program to recognize skills gained through project-based learning (like critical thinking or trade skills) outside traditional classroom settings. It expands tax credits for businesses funding apprenticeships, modifies tax rules to allow portable benefits contributions for independent contractors without creating employer-employee relationships, and removes proficiency exam requirements for military-trained individuals seeking professional licenses. The bill directly affects workers (especially in skilled trades), employers, training programs, and veterans pursuing licenses. Key mechanisms include standardizing micro-credential recognition across education and employers, and streamlining licensing for military veterans. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee after passing the Education Committee.
