Blog – Page 17

House Rejects Four Amendments

House Floor Session

Soleil Woolard

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February 9, 2026

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The West Virginia House of Delegates advanced three bills to the Senate.

House Bill 4522 would ban foreign spending on state ballot issues.

House Bill 4755 would create enhanced sentencing for offenders of aggravated vehicular homicide, driving under the influence causing serious bodily injury, and third offense driving under the influence.

House Bill 4982 would re-establish the Office of Healthy Lifestyles and expand a coordinated, statewide framework to promote nutrition, physical activity, and wellness through various initiatives, agencies, partnerships, and grants. The bill also requires the development of the Governor’s Fitness Test, a school fitness month, and the reporting of outcomes of both.

In addition to bills passing, the House debated four amendments proposed by Delegates Evan Hansen (D – Monongalia, 79) and Sean Hornbuckle (D – Cabell, 25)

House Bill 4600 would require absentee ballots mailed in to be received by 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election to be counted.

Hansen and Hornbuckle proposed four amendments that would allow for exceptions to the new deadline established in the bill for students, the elderly, military personnel, people with disabilities, or those with an injury that would not allow them to be at a physical polling location. The exceptions return the deadline to current code for these groups. All four amendments were rejected.

Bills introduced can be found here.
Resolutions introduced can be found here.

Committee Meetings, Today February 9

Sub. Com on Legal Services at will meet immediately following the floor session in Room 410M.
Government Organization at 1 p.m. in Room 215E
Education at 1 p.m. in Room 432M
Sub. Com on Local Government at 2 p.m. in Room 215E
Health and Human Resources at 3:30 p.m. in Room 215E

Committee Meetings, Tuesday February 10

Sub. Com on Revenue at 8:30 a.m. in Room
Finance at 9 a.m. in Room 460M
Judiciary at 9 a.m. in Room 410M
Sub. Com on Legal Services at 9:45 a.m. in Room 410M
Sub. Com on Homeland Security at 10 a.m. in Room 410M
Sub. Com on Courts at 10:45 a.m. in Room 410M
Sub. Com on Agriculture, Commerce, and Tourism at 1 p.m. in Room 432M
Sub. Com on Public Education at 1 p.m. in Room 215E
Sub. Com on Educational Choice at 2 p.m. in Room 215E
Energy and Public Works at 2 p.m. in Room 410M
Sub. Com on Government Administration at 2 p.m. in Room 432M
Health and Human Resources at 3:30 p.m. in Room 215E

The House is adjourned until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Senate Passes Small Business Growth Act

Senate Floor Session

Christopher Marshall

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February 6, 2026

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The Senate passed Senate Bill 1, the Small Business Growth Act, which would establish a new program administered by the West Virginia Department of Commerce to encourage capital investment in eligible West Virginia businesses.

The program defines terms like “affiliate” (an entity controlled by another), “capital investment” (cash invested in a growth fund for specific purposes), “growth fund” (a certified entity investing in rural businesses), and “eligible business” (a business with fewer than 250 employees and principal operations in West Virginia). Growth investors making capital investments in certified growth funds can receive tax credits against their state tax liability, with the credit amount determined by an “applicable percentage” that increases over time.

The legislation outlines application procedures for growth funds, including requirements for business plans and revenue-impact assessments, and sets limits on the total amount of credits that can be issued annually. It also includes provisions for recapturing credits if growth funds fail to meet investment or reinvestment requirements, prohibits certain investments by eligible businesses in growth funds, and mandates annual reporting by growth funds on job creation and salaries. The act would take effect on January 1, 2027.

The bill now heads to the House of Delegates for consideration.

The Senate is adjourned until Monday, Feb. 9, at 11 a.m.

The Judiciary Subcommittee for SB593 will meet Monday at 9 a.m. in 208W

House Judiciary and Subcommittees Meet Today

House Committee

Soleil Woolard

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February 6, 2026

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House Judiciary and its subcommittees met this morning.

Judiciary

House Bill 4412 would require pornography websites to use some kind of age verification method to prevent minors from accessing the website. This bill would also create liability and penalties against the website if do not follow these procedures. This bill was reported to the floor.

House Bill 4725 would allow a court to order a change in the animal’s place of custody and to order the animal euthanized if it is in the animal’s best interests or for public health and safety. The euthanasia of the animal must be based on a sworn testimony of a licensed veterinarian or animal control officer. This bill was reported to the floor.

House Bill 4801 would define permissible expenditures for municipalities and counties. This bill was reported to the floor.

Senate Bill 207 would clarify the sheriff’s compensation for tax collection. This bill was reported to the floor.

House Bill 4098 would restore the right of a person to sit on a jury upon expungement of one’s record.

House Bill 5101 would establish the Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act. This act would create and increase penalties for certain domestic violence offenses and change bail requirements for domestic violence.

Legal Services

House Bill 4865 would create a program to allow students who are juniors or seniors to work as poll workers. This bill was reported to the Judiciary.

House Bill 4881 would remove the requirement that the loan value of a motor vehicle be less than $9,500 to allow an automobile dealer, licensed automobile auction, motor vehicle repair facility, or towing company to obtain the title and registration for the abandoned motor vehicle. This bill was reported to the Judiciary.

House Bill 4405 would allow for the creation of a second public defender corporation when a public defender company hires six or more assistant public defenders, including the chief public defender. This bill is intended to improve availability and address conflicts of interest.

House Bill 4452 would remove Mortmain restrictions on religious organizations. This would allow churches and other religious organizations to hold more real estate.

House Bill 4638 would include an option to become an organ donor when registering to vote or modifying their voter registration.

Homeland Security

House Bill 4996 would create mandatory bail conditions for people charged with making terrorist threats against a school.

House Bill 4997 would prohibit persons convicted of felony terroristic threats towards schools or children from residing within 1,000 feet of a school.

House Bill 4106 would allow constitutional carry for 18- to 20-year-olds.

House Bill 4624 would permit the county commission of each county to lease, rent or to permit the use of a county-owned wireless tower or any portion thereof, with exceptions.

House Sends Six Bills to Senate

House Floor Session

Soleil Woolard

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February 6, 2026

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The West Virginia House of Delegates advanced six bills to the Senate.

House Bill 4461 would require Internet or telecommunications providers that fail to provide subscribed customers service for five or more days to issue a refund or credit for the unavailable service.

House Bill 4570 would allow a third party to serve the eviction notice by posting it on the front door, securing it, and taking a photograph of it to show that it was posted if the tenant is not available to receive the notice.

House Bill 4382 would require collection agencies to provide 30 days’ notice via mail before they garnish wages. This bill would also require a monthly statement to the debtors of how much money was garnished.

In addition to bills passed, the House passed two amendments for House Bill 4982. The first amendment, proposed by Delegate Wayne Clark (R – Jefferson, 099), would require the food used for the Make West Virginia Healthy Act of 2026 to be sourced locally.

The second amendment, proposed by Delegates Joe Statler (R – Monongalia, 77) and Christopher W. Toney (R – Raleigh, 43), would allow high schools to utilize existing facilities if available for health initiatives and would allow the Department of Education to administer the Presidential Fitness Test more easily.

Bills introduced can be found here.
Resolutions introduced can be found here.

Committee Meetings, Today February 6

Sub. Com on Courts will meet after the floor session in Room 410M
Sub. Com on Homeland Security will meet after the floor session in Room 410M

Committee Meetings, Monday February 9

Finance at 9 a.m. in Room 460M
Judiciary at 9 a.m. in Room 410M
Sub. Com on Courts at 9:45 a.m. in Room 410M
Sub. Com on Homeland Security at 10 a.m. in Room 410M
Sub. Com on Legal Services at 10:15 a.m. in Room 410M
Government Organization at 1 p.m. in Room 215E
Sub. Com on Local Government at 2 p.m. in Room 215E
Health and Human Resources at 3:30 p.m. in Room 215E

The House is adjourned until 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2026.

Abortion Pill Bill Heads to Full Senate

Senate Committee

Christopher Marshall

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February 6, 2026

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The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a bill on Thursday evening that would prohibit out-of-state entities and health care providers from sending abortion pills to West Virginia.

Senate Bill 173 would prohibit the trafficking and dispensing of chemical abortion pills into West Virginia.

The bill was previously approved by the Senate Health Committee.

The legislation would amend the West Virginia Unborn Child Protection Act by adding provisions that specifically target “abortifacients”—chemical or drug agents used to terminate pregnancy. The bill defines an abortifacient as “any chemical or drug prescribed or dispensed with the intent of causing an abortion.”

According to the bill’s language, a person or entity would be guilty of performing or attempting to perform an abortion with an abortifacient if they knowingly and willfully:

Send an abortifacient to a person in West Virginia by courier, delivery, or mail service
Place an abortifacient into the stream of commerce knowing it will be used in or sent to West Virginia
Prescribe an abortifacient to a person in West Virginia, regardless of whether the prescriber is located in the state
Disseminate an abortifacient in West Virginia without a lawfully valid prescription

The bill establishes different penalties based on who commits the offense:

For non-medical professionals: A felony conviction with imprisonment in a state correctional facility for 3-10 years.

For licensed medical professionals: Subject to disciplinary action by the applicable licensing board. If found to have knowingly and willfully violated the law, the medical professional’s license shall be revoked.

The legislation specifically states that “a woman who unlawfully receives an abortifacient” cannot be charged with or convicted of a criminal offense related to her own unborn child.

The bill as it came over from Senate Health created a civil cause of action, allowing a pregnant woman or her family members to sue anyone who knowingly and willfully violates the prohibition. If a claimant prevailed, they could receive:

Injunctive relief preventing future violations
Damages of $10,000 for each abortion that was knowingly and willfully performed or attempted

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved an amendment by Sen. Eric Tarr, (R-Putnam, 04) adding a requirement that claimants who would sue under the law notify the state attorney general. It also adds language that the attorney general may pursue civil action under the law and recover expenses to the maximum amount allowed by law. An indictment or conviction would not be necessary to establish liability.

Tarr said the addition would put pressure on the attorney general to sue.

He expressed concerns that a section in the bill allowing claimants to be awarded damages up to $10,000 may encourage abortion.

The legislation also approved an amendment clarifying that no criminal or civil action may be taken against motor carriers or freight forwarders as defined by federal code.

The bill provides limited exceptions:

Pharmacies fulfilling lawfully valid prescriptions issued by licensed medical professionals in West Virginia
Physicians providing medical procedures or services for legitimate medical reasons to a pregnant woman that result in accidental or unintentional physical injury to or death of the unborn child

Originally, the bill required that within one year of initial licensure, all licensed medical professionals complete two hours of continuing medical education regarding “the dangers of the abortion pill and the efficacy of the abortion pill reversal.” Earlier this week in the Senate Health Committee, Senator Tom Takubo (R-Kanawha, 17) successfully amended the bill to change the continuing education piece to an attestation and a signed affidavit stating the medical professional knows that the anti-abortion law is codified in West Virginia.

The legislation now advances to the full Senate for a vote.

House EIT Advances Four Bills

House Committee

Soleil Woolard

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February 5, 2026

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The House subcommittee on Environment, Infrastructure, and Technology advanced four bills this afternoon.

House Bill 4615 would create the Public Water Supply Reform Act of 2026. This act would require public water systems to provide quarterly operational and financial reports to the appointed board members of the public service district, participate in the Open Checkbooks program, and, when receiving enough complaints about a water system, a forensic audit must be conducted. This act would also require water storage tanks to be equipped with a device to collect data from the water system. This bill was reported to the committee on Energy and Public Works.

House Bill 4563 would require an EZ Pass transponder to be registered to a person rather than a vehicle. This bill was reported to the committee on Energy and Public Works.

House Bill 4471 would require approved sewage systems for all rental properties. This bill was reported to the committee on Energy and Public Works.

House Bill 4537 would require municipalities and public service districts to determine the cost of adding potential customers to the water service and apply for funding through the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council. This service will be extended to customers who have made the required deposits and extend the service to possible customers, if the fees have been covered by a grant(s) for the extension. This bill was reported to the committee on Energy and Public Works.

House Gov. Org. Hears Several Bills

House Committee

Soleil Woolard

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February 5, 2026

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House Government Organization and Subcommittee on Government Administration met this afternoon.

Government Organization

House Bill 4501 would facilitate the practice of dietetics between states to improve public access to dietetic services. This bill preserves the authority of the states to protect public health and safety through state licensure.

House Bill 4025 would prevent new hires and employees who will be promoted within the Departments of Health Facilities, Department of Human Services, and Department of Health from entering the classified civil service system. Employees who are currently employed and stay within their position will remain a part of the classified civil service system.

House Bill 4561 would clarify a sheriff’s authority to hire within their own office. This bill would allow a sheriff may have and appointt more than one chief deputy with the advice and consent of the county commission.

House Bill 4577 would create reciprocity with the Republic of Ireland for driver’s licenses.

House Bill 4462 would prohibit cell-cultured products.

House Bill 4819 would change the use of criminal records in determinations of whether to allow a person to be issued a license, certification, registration, or other authorization to engage in a profession.

Government Administration

House Bill 4531 would provide identification documents, such as a photo ID, a replacement driver’s license, or a replacement birth certificate, to homeless individuals residing at homeless shelters within this state, at no cost.

House Bill 4612 would require DMV to issue a new title when the old title has been lost, under specific conditions. Regardless of vehicles age, the vehicle cannot appear on any list as stolen. If a title appears as stolen, the issued title will be void, and an investigation will be required to take place.

House Bill 4518 would require DMV and the Parkways Authority to coordinate records for the process of updating a driver’s information when getting a new vehicle and using EZ-Pass.

House Bill 4769 would require the Governor to make crisis plans.

House Bill 4932 would allow “A.C.” to be a name ending for an accounting corporation.

House Bill 4978 would allow Workforce West Virginia to provide people who claim unemployment with information from private employers, including tailored positions based on their previous job experience and skills.

House Bill 4793 would allow fourteen year olds to be able to apply to become apprentices for a barber or cosmetologist.

House Bill 4667 would clarify that hair braiding, threading, blow-dry styling, and makeup application are not regulated. In addition, this bill would create a salon training program that would allow licensed salons to employ trainees to cut and color hair and, after 1,000 hours, sit for the hair styling exam.

Senate HHR Advances Bill to Safeguard Recovery Residences in West Virginia

Senate Committee

Jaidyn Carter

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February 5, 2026

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Senate HHR Advances Bill to Safeguard Recovery Residences in West Virginia

Senate Health and Human Resources met Thursday evening, and advanced bills on providing protection on recovery homes and opioid treatment facilities.

Senate Bill 589 would focus on providing safeguards for recovery residences, which are drug and alcohol-free homes intended to support individuals during their recovery journey in West Virginia.

This bill would change current law by reducing the mandatory registration of recovery residences. This would allow recovery programs to register with the state only if they want to removes agency’s authority, providing more freedom.

Illegal patient referrals would be prohibited, making it a crime to pay or receive money to transfer patients to or from recovery homes or healthcare providers, helping prevent exploitation and corruption.

Several individuals came and testified to the body, sharing heartfelt stories about their personal struggles with addiction and how they have successfully turned their lives around.

They emphasized that long-term recovery programs are far more effective than short-term approaches and voiced strong support for the bill, highlighting how it could help others achieve the same positive outcomes.

“This is my best day in the legislature, and it’s my worst day in the legislature because for every victorious person that stands here, there are hundreds of people who are on the front side of their story. We’ve got to affect outcome, not talk about it or debate about it; we must change the system,” T. Kevan Bartlett (R – Kanawha, 08) stated.

The bill was reported to the full Senate with a recommendation of passage, first being sent to the committee on Judiciary.

The body also discussed four bills, including House Bill 4196, which would prohibit individuals and corporations from operating an opioid treatment facility program without first obtaining a license from the Director of the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification.

Following a discussion, the four bills were sent to the full Senate with a recommendation of passage.

House Education Subcommittees Met this Afternoon

House Committee

Cheyenne DeBolt

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February 5, 2026

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House Education Subcommittees Met this Afternoon

Public Education

The Subcommittee on Public Education met this afternoon.

Markup & Passage

House Bill 4485 allows mothers to use sick leave for maternity leave, meaning donated sick leave can be used.

Committee Hearing

House Bill 4395 requires continued investigation of allegations that school personnel have jeopardized a student’s health, safety, or welfare, even if the school personnel obtain another job or transfer to another school.

Educational Choice

The Subcommittee on Educational Choice met this afternoon to hear about House Bill 4065. The bill changes the composition of the HOPE Scholarship Board by making three current members nonvoting: the State Attorney General, the State Superintendent of Schools, and the Chancellor of Higher Education. The purpose of the bill is to allow parents better representation on the board. The sponsor said the reason for removing voting rights is that they typically send a designee, and that person isn’t always the same.

House Appropriations Advances Two Bills

House Committee

Cheyenne DeBolt

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February 5, 2026

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The Appropriations Subcommittee met today to discuss two bills.

House Bill 4360 would allow the Administrative Director of the Supreme Court to create a pay scale for judicial support staff.

House Bill 4416 would reclassify forestry equipment as Class I property to provide tax benefits to forestry businesses by acknowledging forestry as a part of agriculture.