SB 769, the "West Virginia Litter Control and Environmental Cleanup Act," establishes a coordinated statewide system to address litter and illegal dumping. It directly affects state agencies (DEP, DOT), counties with Litter Control Officers, and nonprofit contractors selected via a state RFP. Key provisions require the DEP to oversee efforts, the DOT to maintain clean roadways, counties to enforce local laws, and a nonprofit contractor to clean illegal dumps, roadways, and waterways. The bill mandates annual reports on progress and funding from existing sources, fines, and grants, effective July 1, 2026.
SB 708 requires the West Virginia Division of Highways to evaluate and potentially create public river access facilities during bridge projects over navigable waterways. It prohibits using eminent domain for access points but allows voluntary property acquisition (through purchase or donation) to improve safety for recreational users like fishermen and boaters. The law mandates that any new access facilities must prioritize public safety, avoid interfering with traffic, and be limited in size to address documented hazards. It applies directly to the Division of Highways, recreational users, and property owners near river crossings.
HB 5376 requires toxicology tests to be performed on drivers involved in any vehicle crash that results in death. The bill mandates these tests be conducted "as soon as possible" following a fatal accident. It directly affects drivers involved in crashes causing death, ensuring their blood or urine is tested for drugs or alcohol. The law, named "Erin’s Law" in the bill, adds this requirement to existing West Virginia traffic safety statutes without changing penalties for hit-and-run offenses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
