Transportation (Roads & Highways)

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 4, 2026

HB 5161: To create the West Virginia Rural Mobility and Transportation Access Act.

HB 5161 creates the West Virginia Rural Mobility and Transportation Access Act to improve transportation access in rural areas. It establishes a grant program funded by federal funds (like FTA Section 5311), state appropriations, and private donations to support local providers - such as counties, nonprofits, and private companies - in offering on-demand rides, flexible shared transit ("micro transit"), and coordinated mobility services. The program prioritizes counties with limited existing service, encourages innovative models, and requires coordination among transportation, health, and human service providers without the state operating vehicles or drivers. It directly affects rural residents (outside urban areas with 50,000+ population) who lack reliable access to jobs, healthcare, and essential services.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates grant program funding rural mobility services including micro transit and on-demand rides to improve transportation access in underserved areas.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Transportation Funding Tags Rural Communities

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Feb 11, 2026

SB 917: Imposing privilege tax on retail sale of electric vehicle charging services

West Virginia's SB 917 imposes a 15% privilege tax on the retail sale of electric vehicle charging services at public charging stations. It directly affects charging station operators, who must collect the tax from customers and remit it monthly to the state. The tax applies to gross receipts from public charging services (e.g., per session or per kWh), excluding private or free charging. Revenue generated will fund the State Road Fund, aligning with the principle that road users should contribute to infrastructure maintenance.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes 15% tax on public EV charging to fund State Road Fund, directly increasing tax revenue for infrastructure spending.95% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyTax on EV charging services increases costs for clean energy infrastructure adoption, hindering EV use and redirecting revenue to roads instead of energy initiatives.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds State Road Fund with 15% tax on EV charging services, directly supporting transportation infrastructure projects per bill's revenue allocation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Sales Tax Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

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introduced · West Virginia · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 711: Prohibiting discharge of concentrated highway runoff onto private property

SB 711 prohibits West Virginia's Division of Highways from discharging concentrated highway runoff onto private property if it causes flooding, erosion, or damage, unless water is directed to a "lawful outfall" like natural waterways, public drainage systems, or designed retention ponds. The bill authorizes the state highway agency to extend drainage facilities beyond road rights-of-way, acquire necessary easements (including via eminent domain), and perform limited temporary maintenance on private property to address drainage issues. It applies to new highway projects and existing drainage systems where infrastructure has altered natural patterns and caused recurring property damage. The law also limits the state's liability for unavoidable flooding during extreme weather or natural drainage conditions not caused by highway work.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationPrevents highway runoff damage to private property, ensuring proper drainage infrastructure maintenance for transportation systems.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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passed · West Virginia · Senate Feb 9, 2026

SR 28: Expressing support for I-68 Energy Manufacturing AI Corridor

This Senate Resolution (SR 28) expresses legislative support for extending Interstate 68 from Morgantown, West Virginia, to Kent, West Virginia, then across the Ohio River to Clarington, Ohio, and further to I-77 near Caldwell, Ohio. It does not create new policies or funding but urges state and federal officials to secure resources for this transportation corridor project. The resolution specifically references the "I-68 Energy Manufacturing AI Corridor" as a means to support economic growth in the Shale Crescent region, though it does not establish any new programs or obligations. It is a symbolic measure, not a substantive legislative bill.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationSR 28 explicitly urges extension of I-68 highway corridor for transportation infrastructure, aligning with 'improves road infrastructure' indicator without creating policy/funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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passed · West Virginia · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SB 752: Transferring authority for racing events from county commissions to DOT

SB 752 transfers authority to permit motor vehicle racing events on public roads from county commissions to the West Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT). It repeals a provision allowing counties to authorize such events and instead requires racing organizers to obtain permits directly from the DOT, which will charge a fee to cover administrative costs. Organizers must provide proof of insurance, emergency planning, traffic control plans, and written permissions from local governments. The bill also clarifies that DOT permit requirements override certain road obstruction and speed laws, and shifts liability to permittees (not the state) for any injuries or property damage during sanctioned events.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires DOT permits with safety protocols (insurance, emergency plans), enhancing road safety for racing events on public roads.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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

HB 5191: To place rumble strips on all double-yellow lined roads and highways.

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.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates rumble strips on double-yellow roads to enhance safety, directly improving road infrastructure and reducing collision risks per bill's explicit requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Feb 17, 2026

SB 753: Establishing Adopt-A-Road program

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.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationSB 753 creates a formal Adopt-A-Road program for road maintenance (litter cleanup, pothole repair) with state cost-sharing (up to 30% for materials), directly advancing transportation infrastructure upkeep.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 2, 2026

HB 5050: Make all state inmates regardless of sex members of the state convict road force

HB 5050 amends West Virginia law to remove the gender restriction from the state convict road force program, making all state inmates - including women - eligible to work on road construction and maintenance crews under the state highways commissioner. Previously, the program only included "male persons" convicted of felonies. The bill expands the existing program, which requires inmates to work on state roads, quarries, and material production facilities, to apply to all incarcerated individuals regardless of sex. This change directly affects all state inmates serving sentences for felonies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands correctional labor program inclusivity to all inmates, promoting rehabilitation through work opportunities, aligning with reform goals.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill expands inmate labor for road construction/maintenance under highways commissioner, directly advancing transportation infrastructure upkeep by increasing workforce capacity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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introduced · West Virginia · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 933: Expanding digital mapping of unimproved public roads

SB 933 requires West Virginia's Commissioner of Highways to create a digital map showing unimproved public roads (unpaved, dirt, or gravel roads) and their specific features. The map must indicate road status, permitted vehicle types (including ATVs and motorcycles), and recreational value. County commissions and the West Virginia Department of Tourism can request mapping of roads with scenic, historic, or recreational value by providing details on use, surface, value, and location. The digital map will be publicly available online in a downloadable format to help tourists and recreation users plan trips. This bill expands existing mapping efforts using current resources to support outdoor tourism without new funding.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires digital mapping of unimproved roads to enhance infrastructure management, recreational access, and public safety through detailed road documentation and permitting.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 25, 2026

HR 15: Expressing support for I-68 Energy Manufacturing Corridor

This is a non-binding House Resolution (HR 15), not a bill with legislative effect. It expresses the West Virginia House of Delegates' support for extending Interstate 68 from Morgantown, West Virginia, to Kent, West Virginia, then crossing into Ohio toward I-77 and I-75. The resolution urges federal, state, and local government bodies to secure funding for this corridor, which is framed as a project to boost economic growth and job creation in the Shale Crescent energy manufacturing region. It does not create new laws, funding, or requirements.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly supports I-68 corridor for Shale Crescent energy manufacturing infrastructure, framing it as economic growth in energy production region.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill urges funding for I-68 corridor extension, framing it as economic growth through transportation infrastructure development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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