West Virginia Bill Book

The bill would let employers avoid being sued and not pay health costs for workers whose drug‑related crimes were erased.

Citizens could lose the ability to hold employers accountable for drug‑related harms and may be left without health coverage if they relapse, so they should speak up now.

Employers

• Accountability (hurts) — Employer liability limited. Reduces ability to sue employers for employee actions.
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Right to sue reduced. Limits employee's legal recourse against employer.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Health costs shifted to employee. Employers not required to cover addiction‑related health expenses.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Database and court cross‑reference required. Adds a reporting system but does not increase public oversight.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No new funding. Bill does not allocate money for any program.

• Official text (WV SB35)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=35&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — SB35https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/SB35/2026

The bill would let the state take more personal property, even without a court hearing, while giving owners few ways to get it back.

Citizens could lose cars, tools, or cash to the state after a drug case, even if they never knew about the crime, and they would have limited ways to challenge the seizure, so they should speak up now while the bill is still being debated.

Government Power

• Accountability (hurts) — Reduces accountability for law‑enforcement. No joint or severable liability and limited remedies
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Weakens property rights. Seizure can occur without a court hearing
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Costs shift to owners. Owners may lose property and have limited compensation
• Process Transparency (hurts) — Less transparent process. Seizure may happen without due process
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — State gains revenue from forfeiture. Proceeds from sales go to the state

• Official text (WV HB5261)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5261&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — HB5261https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/HB5261/2026

Banks in West Virginia could not refuse service to gun makers or sellers, and could be sued if they do.

The bill would protect gun shops from being cut off by banks, but it could raise costs for banks and limit their ability to choose customers.

Firearms industry

• Accountability (helps) — Adds civil penalties and AG enforcement.. Banks can be sued and face up to $20,000 per violation.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects firearm businesses from discrimination.. Ensures they can get banking services.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Potential costs shift to banks.. Banks may pay penalties and lose state business.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — No new transparency requirements.. Standard civil action process applies.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No direct funding changes.. Penalty funds go to the state, not specified.

• Official text (WV SB78)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=78&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — SB78https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/SB78/2026

The bill would let community colleges charge higher per‑credit tuition, making students pay more for each class they take.

Students could see their tuition bills go up, especially if they take many credits, while colleges get more money to cover costs and projects. Now is the time to speak up before the bill moves forward.

Community colleges

• Accountability (hurts) — Less oversight on tuition hikes. Boards set rates with limited state review
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No new student rights added. Bill does not change ability to sue
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Costs shift to students. Higher per‑credit fees increase student expenses
• Process Transparency (hurts) — Fee schedules not required to be public. Boards only need to file copies with commission
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — More revenue goes to colleges, not state budget. Fees may replace state subsidies

• Official text (WV HB4193)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4193&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — HB4193https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/HB4193/2026

The bill would let the tax department set rules for a downstream natural gas manufacturing tax credit, cutting the money the state collects.

Tax credits mean less money for schools and roads, while gas companies get a financial boost; citizens should watch the bill now before it moves forward.

Natural Gas Manufacturers

• Accountability (hurts) — Limited oversight of tax credit rules. The bill gives the tax department power to set rules without clear public accountability.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No direct impact on personal rights. The bill does not affect individual legal rights.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Tax credit reduces state revenue. The credit shifts the cost of the incentive to taxpayers.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard rulemaking filing. Rules must be filed in the State Register, but details are not yet public.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Benefits gas manufacturers. The credit directly benefits downstream natural gas manufacturers.

Pushing for it: Natural Gas Manufacturers
Bearing the cost: Taxpayers

• Official text (WV HB4255)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4255&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — HB4255https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/HB4255/2026

The bill would give data centers big tax cuts and let them use coal power, which could lower state tax revenue and affect services.

Citizens could see less money for schools or roads because the state would lose tax income, while data center companies and coal producers would profit.

Data centers

• Accountability (hurts) — Tax breaks reduce oversight of data center impacts. Exemptions limit state ability to collect taxes
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No direct impact on personal rights. Bill does not change individual legal protections
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Tax revenue loss falls on taxpayers. Exemptions shift cost from state to citizens
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard application process. Bill requires an application but adds no extra disclosure
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — Shifts public funds to private industry. Tax exemptions favor data centers over general budget needs

Pushing for it: Data centers
Bearing the cost: Taxpayers

• Official text (WV SB623)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=623&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — SB623https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/SB623/2026

West Virginia would allow the insurance commission to set rules for financing life‑insurance premiums for college students, letting them borrow to pay for coverage.

Students could get life insurance sooner, but they may have to take out loans and pay extra interest, while insurers gain a new way to sell policies and earn fees.

Insurers

• Accountability (hurts) — rule adds authority without extra oversight. Commission can set financing rules but no new checks
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — may expose students to debt. Financing could increase costs for policyholders
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — students pay loan interest. Cost shifts to college students
• Process Transparency (neutral) — rule filed publicly. Rule must be published in State Register
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — no funding changes. Bill does not allocate money

• Official text (WV HB4242)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4242&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — HB4242https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/HB4242/2026

The bill would let coal power companies lower their taxes by 35% of pollution‑control costs, hoping to keep plants open and electricity cheaper for residents.

Citizens could see lower electric bills if the credit keeps coal plants running, but the state will lose tax revenue and may delay a shift to cleaner energy.

Coal power plants

• Accountability (hurts) — Reduces pressure on coal plants to fully fund pollution controls.. Tax credit lowers the amount they must pay, lessening accountability for environmental costs.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No direct impact on individual rights.. Bill does not change consumer or citizen legal protections.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — State tax revenue is reduced, shifting cost to taxpayers.. Credit cuts the tax that would fund public services, effectively shifting burden to residents.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Rulemaking authority given to Tax Commissioner.. Procedures are standard and not unusually opaque.
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — Reduces state revenue without new funding source.. Credit creates a fiscal shortfall; no dedicated funding is provided.

• Official text (WV HB4035)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4035&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — HB4035https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/HB4035/2026

The state would let the tax office write rules that control a credit for companies that hire well‑paid workers.

Citizens should watch because the credit could lower state revenue, but it might also spur higher‑pay jobs if businesses get tax breaks.

Businesses

• Accountability (hurts) — Rule‑making moves control from legislators to agency. The tax department would set the credit rules without new legislative vote.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No direct impact on personal rights. The bill does not change any citizen's legal rights.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Tax credit reduces state revenue. Giving businesses a credit means taxpayers fund the loss.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Rule already filed publicly. The rule is posted in the State Register, providing some openness.
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — Credit shifts money to businesses. The credit favors companies over the general fund.

• Official text (WV HB4256)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4256&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — HB4256https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/HB4256/2026

The bill would move money from a tax break for people to schools, counties and an insurance fund, changing who gets the data center tax dollars.

West Virginians should watch this bill because it could reduce the personal tax break they get, while giving more money to local schools and a state insurance fund, and it may affect how reliable the electric grid stays.

Insurers

• Accountability (neutral) — No new oversight or reporting requirements added.. The bill keeps existing tax collection processes.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No change to individual legal rights.. The bill does not affect any personal lawsuits or protections.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Shifts money from a personal tax reduction to an insurance fund.. Taxpayers lose a portion of the break while insurers gain funding.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Allocation formulas are already in the code.. The bill follows existing tax distribution rules.
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — More money goes to an industry‑run insurance fund.. The shift favors insurers over the personal tax reduction fund.

• Official text (WV HB4822)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4822&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — HB4822https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/HB4822/2026

This bill would make it easier for West Virginia employers to get tax money for helping with child care, which could mean more child care options for working parents.

This bill aims to make it simpler and more rewarding for businesses to help their workers with child care costs. Right now, the tax credit mostly covers child care on the company's property. This bill would let companies get the credit for helping pay for child care at other places too, like a daycare down the street. It also makes the credit bigger and easier to use over many years. For regular people, this could mean more choices for child care that their job helps pay for, making it easier to work and afford care for their kids. Some might worry that giving more tax breaks to companies means less money for other state services. But supporters would say that helping companies with child care can keep more parents working, which helps the economy and brings in more tax money in the long run.

Workers

• Accountability (neutral) — Neutral. This bill does not directly address accountability for harm, but it does incentivize employers to provide a benefit.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Improves. It expands the ability of employers to provide child care support, which can improve access to essential services for employees.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Shifts to state. The state would bear the cost of the increased tax credit through reduced tax revenue. Employers would bear more of the child care cost, shifting it from parents.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Normal. The bill is moving through the regular legislative process, including committee review and discussion.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Favors employers for public good. The bill provides a tax credit that directly benefits employers, encouraging them to invest in child care solutions for their workforce.

Pushing for it: Employers providing child care
Bearing the cost: West Virginia state tax revenue

• Official text (WV HB4517)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4517&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — HB4517https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/HB4517/2026

This bill would let people sue if someone shares their private pictures without permission, helping victims get justice and money for their harm.

This bill would create a new way for people to take legal action if their private intimate pictures are shared without their okay. It means victims could get money for the harm caused, like emotional distress, and help cover their lawyer fees. This is important because it gives people a tool to fight back against harmful actions and protect their privacy. Some might say there need to be exceptions for things like reporting crimes or public interest, and this bill does include those. Now is the time to make sure this new protection is strong and fair for everyone.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Holds people responsible. Creates a civil action against those who intentionally disclose private intimate images without consent, allowing victims to seek damages.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects privacy and gives victims a voice. Establishes a new right for individuals to sue when their private intimate images are shared without their permission, protecting their privacy and emotional well-being.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Wrongdoer pays. The person who illegally shares the images would be responsible for paying damages, not the victim or public.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard legislative process. The bill is going through the normal legislative steps.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No direct funding changes. The bill does not create or shift government funding.

Pushing for it: Victims of unauthorized image disclosure (Up to $10,000 in statutory damages, plus actual damages and punitive damages)
Bearing the cost: Individuals who disclose intimate images without consent (Unknown, depends on case)

• Official text (WV HB5130)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5130&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — HB5130https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/HB5130/2026

This bill would let West Virginia workers keep more of their tips and overtime pay by stopping the state from taxing that money.

This bill is a good thing for many workers in West Virginia. If it passes, people who earn tips, like restaurant servers, or who work extra hours for overtime pay, would get to keep more of their hard-earned money. The state wants to make it better for people to work and for tourists to visit by helping those in the service industry. This could mean more money in your pocket if you rely on tips or overtime. It is still very new, so now is the time to tell your lawmakers if you think this is a good idea.

Workers

• Accountability (neutral) — Not applicable. This bill does not directly affect accountability for powerful groups or individuals.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — Not applicable. This bill does not create or remove any specific rights or protections for ordinary people.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Workers keep more money. The bill would exempt tips and overtime pay from state personal income tax, meaning workers would pay less tax and keep more of their earnings.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Not applicable. There is no information to suggest this bill is being rushed or handled in an unclear way.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — More money for workers, less for state. By not taxing tips and overtime, the state would collect less income tax, leaving more money with individual workers.

Pushing for it: West Virginia workers earning tips or overtime
Bearing the cost: West Virginia state government (less tax revenue)

• Official text (WV SB460)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=460&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — SB460https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/SB460/2026

The bill would force dental insurers to publish how they spend premiums and give a rebate if they spend too little on care.

If passed, West Virginians could see more of their dental premiums go to actual treatment and get lower costs, while dentists won’t be forced to pay credit‑card fees.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Enforcement by commissioner. Commissioner can penalize carriers for violations
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Adds consumer transparency. Consumers get clear info on how premiums are used
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Rebates shift cost to insurers. Insurers must refund premium money if care spending is low
• Process Transparency (helps) — Annual reporting required. Public can see loss ratios for each plan
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No new funding. Bill does not create new spending programs

• Official text (WV HB4810)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4810&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — HB4810https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/HB4810/2026

The bill would force dental insurers to report how they spend premiums, ban fee‑charging payment methods, and give rebates if care spending is low.

If passed, West Virginia residents will see more of their dental premiums used for care, and dentists will be protected from hidden fees, but insurers may raise prices to cover costs.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Transparency and reporting increase accountability.. Annual MLR reports filed with commissioner and public posting.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects dentists from fee‑charging payment methods.. No payment method can charge dentists fees unless they agree.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Cost shift to insurers, not consumers.. Premium reduction rebates shift cost to carriers if MLR not met.
• Process Transparency (helps) — Public posting of loss ratios improves transparency.. Commissioner must post aggregate MLR data online.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No new funding required.. Bill creates reporting requirements but no appropriations.

Pushing for it: Consumers
Bearing the cost: Insurance carriers

• Official text (WV SB548)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=548&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — SB548https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/SB548/2026

The bill would force contractors to give homeowners a one‑year warranty on major work and stop them from limiting that warranty.

Homeowners could get better protection and cheaper fixes, while contractors may face higher costs, so the bill deserves public attention now before it passes.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Adds disciplinary powers for the licensing board.. Board can revoke, suspend, or fine contractors for violations.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Creates mandatory warranty rights for homeowners.. Contracts must include express warranties and cannot limit them.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Costs of repairs shift to contractors, not homeowners.. Contractors must fix defects at no expense to the owner.
• Process Transparency (helps) — Requires clear display of arbitration clauses.. ADR provisions must be in bold, capitalized text and located prominently.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No new funding or fees mentioned.. Bill does not allocate money or change tax revenue.

• Official text (WV SB760)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=760&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — SB760https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/SB760/2026

This bill would create a new health insurance option for people who can't get Medicaid or Medicare, helping them afford care.

If this bill passes, more people in West Virginia could get affordable health insurance. Now is the time to support it so everyone can have better access to health care.

Everyday People

• Rights & Protections (helps) — Provides more health insurance options. Creates a new plan for those not qualifying for Medicaid or Medicare.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Federal funding may help cover costs. The bill seeks to maximize federal dollars to support the program.
• Process Transparency (helps) — Includes an advisory council for oversight. An advisory council will help guide the program's implementation.

• Official text (WV HB5122)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5122&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — HB5122https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/HB5122/2026

This bill would let people keep more money in life insurance without losing Medicaid help.

If this bill passes, more people could qualify for Medicaid while still having life insurance. This is important for families who need help paying for healthcare.

Everyday People

• Rights & Protections (helps) — Increases financial security for families. Allows families to have life insurance without losing Medicaid benefits.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — No direct cost shift identified. Does not shift costs onto others.

• Official text (WV SB151)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=151&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — SB151https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/SB151/2026

This bill would give companies money back on their taxes for running child care, which could make child care cheaper or easier for working parents.

This bill would help working families by making it easier and cheaper for companies to offer child care at work. When businesses get a tax break for helping with child care, it can mean more spots for kids or lower costs for parents. This is a good thing for families who need help finding safe places for their children while they work. Some might say that giving tax money back to companies means less money for other state programs. But supporters believe that helping companies provide child care is a smart way to help the economy and support parents at the same time.

Big Business

• Accountability (neutral) — No direct impact on accountability for bad actors.. The bill focuses on tax incentives for child care, not on holding anyone accountable for harm or wrongdoing.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Helps parents access child care.. By making employer-provided child care more affordable for businesses, this bill could indirectly help employees get access to child care, which supports their right to work and care for their families.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — State taxpayers would cover the cost of the tax credits.. The tax credit means less money for the state budget, shifting the cost of supporting employer child care from businesses to all state taxpayers.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard legislative process.. The bill is moving through the regular legislative steps, with no signs of being rushed or hidden.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Benefits employers and their employees.. The tax credit directly benefits businesses that provide child care and indirectly benefits their employees by potentially making child care more accessible or affordable.

Pushing for it: Employers and their employees
Bearing the cost: State tax revenue

• Official text (WV SB621)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=621&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — SB621https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/SB621/2026

This bill would approve a rule that lets the state board waive initial fees for some landscape architects, making it easier for them to start working.

This bill would give the green light to a rule that helps certain people become landscape architects by cutting their first costs. This is good for those individuals and could help more people join the profession. Some might worry about how the board will cover its costs if fees are waived, but the bill focuses on helping new professionals.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — Neutral impact on accountability.. The bill authorizes an existing legislative rule, which is a standard process for board actions.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Helps certain individuals.. The bill would make it easier for certain individuals to get licensed by waiving initial fees, which could expand access to the profession.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Reduces costs for individuals.. The bill would waive initial licensing fees for certain individuals, directly reducing their financial burden to start work.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard process.. The bill authorizes a legislative rule, which typically involves public review and comment.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Benefits individuals.. By waiving fees, the bill provides a financial benefit to certain individuals seeking to enter the landscape architecture profession.

Pushing for it: Certain individuals becoming landscape architects
Bearing the cost: The Board of Landscape Architects

• Official text (WV HB4291)http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4291&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill
• LegiScan — HB4291https://legiscan.com/WV/bill/HB4291/2026