Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Tuesday, February 24, 2026

February 23, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 – 42nd Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.Senate Calendar

Scheduled Committee Meetings

9:30 a.m.: Education (451M)

SB 1048: Transferring responsibility of school position eliminations to WV Board of Education
SB 1004: Adding voter approval requirement to close or consolidate schools
SB 929: Requiring State Auditor issue notice of noncompliance to county boards for untimely reports
SB 1020: Allowing up to five educational leave days within definition of “excused absence”

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 587: Adjusting salary schedule for elected county officials
Com. Sub. for SB 1006: Providing equal share of funds from fire and casualty premium tax to all departments
Com. Sub. for SB 651: Relating to sale of certain properties subject to delinquent tax liens
SB 1015: Establishing Drainage Relief Fund
Com. Sub. for SB 762: Relating to comprehensive reform of state’s water infrastructure systems
Com. Sub. for SB 701: Relating to authority of sheriff’s commission for collection of taxes

10:30 a.m.: Health and Human Resources Subcommittee on SB 114, Paid Parental Leave Act (Senate Clerk’s Conference Room, 215M)

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources (451M)

SB 1036: Creating Sustainable Child-Serving Workforce and Foster Care Modernization Act
SB 44: Relating to sale of homemade food items
SB 619: Creating Stop the Bleed Act
SB 906: Permitting lawful prescription of crystalline polymorph psilocybin under FDA recommendations
SB 993: Providing requirements for midwife licensure
SB 1003: Improving access to medical services in rural areas
SB 1055: Conducting rate study for substance use disorder
SB 744: Relating to Critical Incident Review Team
SB 897: Relating to licensure and certification of alcohol and drug counselors

1 p.m.: Economic Development (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 939: Creating WV Reshoring Manufacturing Act
SB 893: Providing tax credits for expenditures and activities related to biochar manufacturing
Com. Sub. for SB 1062: Creating TEAM-WV

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

Com. Sub. for SB 676: Allowing certain Capitol police officers to participate in WV State Police Retirement System
Com. Sub. for SB 977: Creating benefit for duty-related partial disability
Com. Sub. for SB 978: Authorizing certain municipalities to become members of Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System
Com. Sub. for SB 657: Creating Cohen Craddock Student Athlete Safety Act
Com. Sub. for SB 697: Relating to state road system

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

SB 901: Creating truancy pre-trial diversion program
SB 541: Requiring circuit courts make certain findings fact and conclusions of law as it relates to court’s order
SB 523: Increase circumstances where Department of Human Services is required to seek termination of parental rights
Com. Sub. for HB 4022: CPS Allocation
SJR 8: Sheriff’s Succession Amendment
SJR 21: Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Amendment

** Committee times and agendas are subject to change **

Senate Resolutions to be Introduced Tuesday, February 24, 2026

SR 49: Commending volunteers for their recovery efforts for flooding at Chief Logan State Park (Phillips and Z. Maynard)

Committee Action on Bills from Monday, February 23, 2026

1 p.m.: Transportation and Infrastructure

Com Sub. for SB 691: Relating to utility lines on DOH rights-of-way
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 1059: Relating to agreements between solid waste motor carriers and commercial customers
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 979: Requiring Division of Highways publish project bids on its website
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 982: Creating Neighborhood Access Road Program
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

1 p.m.: Workforce

Originating SCR 1: Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the effectiveness and efficiency of the Public Service Commission
Originating concurrent resolution reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it be adopted

Com. Sub. for SB 1038: Adjusting salaries for administrative law judges employed in WorkForce WV Board of Review
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 1053: Authorizing Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund to modernize and enhance WorkForce West Virginia
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

2 p.m.: Pensions

Com. Sub. for SB 997: Allowing certain hospital staff members to begin withdrawing from retirement benefits in certain circumstances
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 977: Creating benefit for duty-related partial disability
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 978: Authorizing certain municipalities to become members of Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 1035: Suspending contribution of courts in judicial retirement system until certain conditions are met
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 676: Placing members of Division of Protective Services under state police retirement system
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

2 p.m.: Energy, Industry and Mining

Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 4026: Relating to expanding the requirements for integrated resource plans utility companies must file with the Public Service Commission
Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 23: Relating to taxation of wind power projects
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 420: West Virginia First Energy Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 1042: Requiring minimum ventilation quantity of 3,000 cubic feet in underground mines
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Finance

Com. Sub. for Com. Sub. for SB 617: Banking and Financial Services Provider Protections for Eligible Adults from Financial Exploitation
Committee substitute for the committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 745: Relating to requirements for school nutrition programs
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 950: Relating to mileage and expenses of judges
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 580: Updating practice act for WV Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 774: Allowing certain county EMS officers to participate in EMS Retirement System
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Judiciary

Com. Sub. for SB 986: Creating criminal penalties for child torture
Committee substitute referred to subcommittee – Senators Weld (Chair), Garcia, Rucker, Deeds, Chapman appointed

SB 197: Relating to crime of sexual abuse by parent, guardian, custodian, or person in position of trust to child
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 718: Increasing pay for magistrates
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 540: Relating to body-worn cameras for CPS workers
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 399: Creating Bring Them Home Fund
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for HB 4354: Relating to necessity allowance
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 1029: Providing parents plain-language statements of immediate rights and ongoing rights
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Committee Action on Bills from Saturday, February 21, 2026

No Senate Committees met on Saturday, February 21, 2026

.Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Monday, February 23, 2026 (140 – 131 Senate; 9 House)

Bills that have Completed Legislation as of Monday, February 23, 2026 (14 – 7 Senate; 7 House)

SB 1: Small Business Growth Act (Signed, 02-23)
SB 207: Clarifying sheriff’s compensation for collection of taxes (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 208: Exempting certain military records from public release (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 309: Authorizing DOT to promulgate legislative rules (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 393: Updating corporate net income tax definitions (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 400: Updating personal income tax definitions and provision of law relating to gaming and gambling losses (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 692: Authorizing green flashing warning lights on DOH vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 4088: Relating to certified public accountants (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 4196: To offer long-acting reversible contraception to patients receiving methadone and suboxone at the treatment facility for the methadone and suboxone (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 4335: Relating to Medicaid providers (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 4696: Authorize the Department of Environmental Protection to deposit funds granted pursuant to federal programs (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 4474: Extending the Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia Advisory Council sunset date (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 4740: Statutory Commitments in Rural Health Transformation Program (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 4982: Make West Virginia Healthy Act of 2026 (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Monday, February 23, 2026 (4 – 1 Senate; 3 House)

SCR 1: Requesting DOH name certain transportation infrastructure (Adopted, 01-29)
HCR 1: Extending an invitation to His Excellency, the Governor, to deliver an address to the Legislature and raising a Joint Assembly therefor (Adopted, 01-14)
HCR 2: Amending Rule 31 of the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 01-14)
HCR 3: House Infrastructure Naming Resolution (Adopted, 01-29)Bills Signed by the Governor as of Monday, February 23, 2026 (1 – 1 Senate)
SB 1: Small Business Growth Act (Signed, 02-23)Committee times and agendas are subject to change.

Follow @WVSenClerk on Twitter for updates. All Senate Committee meetings and floor sessions are available for both live streaming and to watch again in our archives. The link to the Senate’s archived video page can be found here:http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Monday, February 23, 2026

February 22, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

Monday, February 23, 2026 – 41st Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.Senate Calendar

Scheduled Committee Meetings

9 a.m.: Judiciary (208W)

Listening Session regarding CPS and Child Welfare Issues

1 p.m.: Transportation and Infrastructure (451M)

Com Sub. for SB 691: Relating to utility lines on DOH rights-of-way.
SB 1059: Relating to agreements between solid waste motor carriers and commercial customers
Com. Sub. for SB 979: Requiring Division of Highways publish project bids on its website
Com. Sub. for SB 982: Creating Neighborhood Access Road Program

1 p.m.: Workforce (208W)

Originating SCR 1: Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the effectiveness and efficiency of the Public Service Commission
SB 1038: Adjusting salaries for administrative law judges employed in WorkForce WV Board of Review
SB 1053: Authorizing Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund to modernize and enhance WorkForce West Virginia
Presentations

Rebecca J Gillam, MSW, PhD, Portfolio Director, Home- and Community-based Services, West Virginia University Health Affairs Institute – Direct Care Workforce Pilot: Results and Opportunities
Jeff Green, Deputy Executive Director, Workforce WV
Vanessa Smith, The Store House – Health to Prosperity Transitional Housing and Workforce Pipeline

2 p.m.: Pensions (451M)

Com. Sub. for SB 997: Allowing certain hospital staff members to begin withdrawing from retirement benefits in certain circumstances
Com. Sub. for SB 977: Creating benefit for duty-related partial disability
Com. Sub. for SB 978: Authorizing certain municipalities to become members of Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System
SB 1035: Suspending contribution of courts in judicial retirement system until certain conditions are met
SB 676: Placing members of Division of Protective Services under state police retirement system

2 p.m.: Energy, Industry and Mining (208W)

Subcommittee Report for HB 4026
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 4026: Relating to expanding the requirements for integrated resource plans utility companies must file with the Public Service Commission
Com. Sub. for SB 23: Relating to taxation of wind power projects
Com. Sub. for SB 420: West Virginia First Energy Ac
Com. Sub. for SB 1042: Requiring minimum ventilation quantity of 3,000 cubic feet in underground mines

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

Com. Sub. for SB 617: Banking and Financial Services Provider Protections for Eligible Adults from Financial Exploitation
Com. Sub. for SB 745: Relating to requirements for school nutrition programs
SB 950: Relating to mileage and expenses of judges
Com. Sub. for SB 580: Updating practice act for WV Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board
Com. Sub. for SB 774: Allowing certain county EMS officers to participate in EMS Retirement System

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

SB 986: Creating criminal penalties for child torture
SB 197: Relating to crime of sexual abuse by parent, guardian, custodian, or person in position of trust to child
SB 718: Increasing pay for magistrates
SB 540: Relating to body-worn cameras for CPS workers
SB 399: Creating Bring Them Home Fund
Com. Sub. for HB 4354: Relating to necessity allowance
SB 1029: Providing parents plain-language statements of immediate rights and ongoing rights

** Committee times and agendas are subject to change **

Senate Bills to be Introduced Monday, February 23, 2026

SB 1063: Creating Economic Development Investment Fund (FN) (Jeffries; Economic Development then Finance)
SB 1064: Redefining “long-term substitute” as it relates to public school personnel (Grady; Education)
SB 1065: Reforming licenses related to sale of alcohol and nonintoxicating alcohol products (FN) (Rucker; Finance)
SB 1066: Protecting burial rights and lot ownerships for cemeteries and burial grounds (Woodrum; Judiciary)
SB 1067: Creating extended daycare program for elementary schools (Hamilton; Education)
SB 1068: Permitting death penalty for murder of minors 16 years or younger (Azinger; Judiciary then Finance)
SB 1069: Aligning Uniform Unclaimed Property Act with modern practices (FN) (Oliverio; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 1070: Authorizing School Building Authority to fund grounds and site improvements (M. Maynard; Education)
SB 1071: Creating Public Defense and Provisioning Act (Rose, Z. Maynard; Judiciary then Finance)
SB 1072: Creating WV Land Use Association Division (FN) (Thorne; Judiciary then Finance)
SB 1073: Classifying independent contractors and employees (Willis, Barrett, Bartlett, Helton, Martin, Rucker; Judiciary)
SB 1074: Allowing newly hired emergency medical vehicle operators to participate in EMS Retirement System (FN) (Takubo; Pensions then Finance)
SB 1075: Funding Tobacco Use Cessation Initiative (FN) (Takubo; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 1076: Authorizing municipalities to elect to participate in Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System (FN) (Rucker; Pensions then Finance)
SB 1077: Protecting vocational education agriculture programs (Smith; Education)
SB 1078: Clarifying requirements of possession and administration of epinephrine in schools (Takubo; Health and Human Resources then Education)
SB 1079: Requiring PEIA accept premium payments by credit card or state purchasing card (FN) (Barnhart; Finance)
SR 46: Designating February 24, 2026, as WV Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Day (Clements)
SR 47: Recognizing Leadership Berkeley (Barrett, Rucker, Thorne, Willis)
SR 48: Memorializing life of Honorable Sarah Abigail (Mullennex) Minear (Smith, Taylor, Azinger, Barnhart, Barrett, Bartlett, Chapman, Charnock, Clements, Deeds, Fuller, Garcia, Grady, Hamilton, Hart, Helton, Jeffries, M. Maynard, Z. Maynard, Martin, Morris, Oliverio, Phillips, Queen, Roberts, Rose, Rucker, Takubo, Tarr, Thorne, Weld, Willis, Woelfel, Woodrum)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Saturday, February 21, 2026

No Senate Committees met on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Saturday, February 21, 2026 (133 – 125 Senate; 8 House)

Bills that have Completed Legislation as of Saturday, February 21, 2026 (11 – 5 Senate; 6 House)SB 1: Small Business Growth Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)SB 207: Clarifying sheriff’s compensation for collection of taxes (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)SB 208: Exempting certain military records from public release (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)SB 309: Authorizing DOT to promulgate legislative rules (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)SB 692: Authorizing green flashing warning lights on DOH vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)HB 4196: To offer long-acting reversible contraception to patients receiving methadone and suboxone at the treatment facility for the methadone and suboxone (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)HB 4335: Relating to Medicaid providers (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)HB 4696: Authorize the Department of Environmental Protection to deposit funds granted pursuant to federal programs (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)HB 4474: Extending the Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia Advisory Council sunset date (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)HB 4740: Statutory Commitments in Rural Health Transformation Program (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)HB 4982: Make West Virginia Healthy Act of 2026 (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Saturday, February 21, 2026 (4 – 1 Senate; 3 House)SCR 1: Requesting DOH name certain transportation infrastructure (Adopted, 01-29)HCR 1: Extending an invitation to His Excellency, the Governor, to deliver an address to the Legislature and raising a Joint Assembly therefor (Adopted, 01-14)HCR 2: Amending Rule 31 of the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 01-14)HCR 3: House Infrastructure Naming Resolution (Adopted, 01-29)Committee times and agendas are subject to change. Follow @WVSenClerk on Twitter for updates.All Senate Committee meetings and floor sessions are available for both live streaming and to watch again in our archives. The link to the Senate’s archived video page can be found here:http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Member Press Release

This Week in the House of Delegates

February 21, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

For the week ending Feb. 20, 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the West Virginia House of Delegates took action this week to add more money to the paychecks of public school teachers, school service personnel and the West Virginia State Police. All other state employees are expected to receive a pay raise through the budget bill, but with House Bill 4765, which unanimously passed the House Feb. 19, the three classes of state employees with salary schedules set in state code also would be in line for a 3 percent raise starting July 1.

House Finance Committee Vice Chairman Clay Riley, R-Harrison, told Delegates just before the vote the amount would average out to about $1,800 across the three groups — more than $1,500 for the teachers and nearly $900 for school service personnel. The bill goes now to the Senate for consideration.

The Foster Youth Post-Secondary Transition Awareness Act, House Bill 4573, and House Bill 4730, which would develop a continuum of independent living and transitional support services for youth aging out of foster care, both passed the House this week with overwhelming support. HB4573 would direct the West Virginia Department of Education to coordinate direct communication about opportunities for higher education, job training, housing, healthcare and support for independent living to students with current or previous foster care experiences. Similarly, HB4730 would require the Department of Human Services to implement a program with the full spectrum of transitional services for young people who soon will exit or recently have exited from foster care. It also would require reports to the Legislature about its activity.

The House took unanimous votes this week on House Bill 5101, the Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act, which would enhance criminal penalties relating to domestic violence, and House Bill 4712, Baylea’s Law, which would increase the criminal penalties for DUI causing death, as well as House Bill 4819, which would allow a person with a criminal record who had met specific circumstances of rehabilitation to be licensed within certain categories of professional practice.

“We pass a lot of bills in here that increase penalties and make it tougher for individuals to get out of the criminal justice system, and I love bills like this because if you make a mistake, particularly in your youth, that should not be a scarlet letter for the rest of your life,” said Delegate Hollis Lewis, D-Kanawha, just before the vote on House Bill 4819. “Bills like this are important to get people back in the workforce and let people just get on with their lives.”

The House also passed House Bill 4009, which would create the Portable Benefit Account Act, with overwhelming support this week. The measure would allow West Virginia’s many independent contractors, freelancers and self-employed workers to maintain their benefits such as retirement savings and health care coverage across multiple clients or from job to job.

“Portable Benefits can help our state’s nearly 90,000 independent workers gain stability while holding on to their flexibility,” said Delegate Jonathan Kyle, R-Randolph, and the lead sponsor of the bill. “This would also allow companies to contribute to a worker’s account, which can help them attract talent while still protecting them from any new red tape or classifications.”

Eleven bills have completed the legislative process. The 60-day, regular legislative session ends at midnight March 14.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Saturday, February 21, 2026

February 20, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

Saturday, February 21, 2026 – 39th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 9 a.m.Senate Calendar

Scheduled Committee Meetings

There are no committee meetings scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.

** Committee times and agendas are subject to change **

Senate Bills to be Introduced Saturday, February 21, 2026

SB 1038: Adjusting salaries for administrative law judges employed in WorkForce WV Board of Review (FN) (Helton, Oliverio, Barnhart, Barrett, Bartlett, Charnock, Clements, Deeds, Fuller, Grady, M. Maynard, Morris, Queen, Roberts, Rose, Rucker, Taylor, Willis, Woodrum; Workforce then Finance)
SB 1039: Expanding crime of indecent exposure to include biological males who undress in women’s locker rooms (Willis; Judiciary)
SB 1040: Creating WV Energy Freedom Act (FN) (Rose, Helton, M. Maynard, Rucker, Tarr; Energy, Industry, and Mining then Finance)
SB 1041: Creating Energy Economic Load Dispatch Act (FN) (Rose, Helton, M. Maynard, Rucker, Tarr; Energy, Industry, and Mining then Finance)
SB 1042: Requiring minimum ventilation quantity of 3,000 cubic feet in underground mines (Rose, Phillips; Energy, Industry, and Mining)
SB 1043: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Agriculture, fund 1401 (Thorne; Finance)
SB 1044: Requiring Board of Education to promulgate rule that sets forth common graduation requirements (Grady; Education)
SB 1045: Clarifying when service of process on limited liability corporation by Secretary of State is sufficient (Weld; Judiciary)
SB 1046: Increasing fines for first degree sexual assault (Bartlett; Judiciary)
SB 1047: Establishing Community Well-Being, Recovery Housing, and Family Stabilization Act (FN) (M. Maynard, Z. Maynard; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 1048: Transferring responsibility of school position eliminations to WV Board of Education (FN) (Grady, Weld; Education then Finance)
SB 1049: Allowing retail liquor licensees to wholesale certain low-proof alcohol to class A and class B retailers (Woodrum; Finance)
SB 1050: Creating WV Task Force on Election Integrity (FN) (Rucker; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 1051: Creating Charter School Revolving Loan Fund (FN) (Rucker; School Choice then Finance)
SB 1052: Requiring county commissions approve certain purchase made with county fire levy moneys (FN) (Phillips; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 1053: Authorizing Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund to modernize and enhance WorkForce West Virginia (FN) (Helton; Workforce then Finance)
SB 1054: Creating Natural Organic Reduction Act (FN) (Woodrum; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 1055: Conducting rate study for substance use disorder (FN) (Helton; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 1056: Increasing number of children allowable in family child care home (FN) (Willis; Judiciary then Finance)
SB 1057: Authorizing green burial and natural burial (Woodrum; Government Organization)
SB 1058: Creating Economic Freedom Zones Act (Rose; Economic Development then Finance)
SB 1059: Relating to agreements between solid waste motor carriers and commercial customers (M. Maynard; Transportation and Infrastructure)
SB 1060: Providing WV certified thoroughbred eligibility and increase restricted race caps (Barrett; Finance)
SB 1061: Removing prohibition against reassigning school personnel in certain instances (Grady; Education)
SB 1062: Creating TEAM-WV (Jeffries; Economic Development then Finance)
SJR 22: Authorizing Legislature to Eliminate Ad Valorem Tax on Business and Inventory Tangible Personal Property Amendment (Willis; Judiciary then Finance)
SR 45: Designating February 23, 2026, as WV American Academy of Pediatrics Child Health Advocacy Day (Takubo)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Friday, February 20, 2026

9:30 a.m.: Military

Com. Sub. for SB 613: Extending interest rate cap to all obligations incurred during military service
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 738: Clarifying eligibility for TRICARE program
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 860: Relating to payment of funeral expenses for first responders
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 944: Expanding categories of eligible federal law-enforcement officers authorized to enforce state laws
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 945: Permitting Adjutant General to pay employees during federal government shutdown or furlough
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

1:15 p.m.: Committee on Rules

Com. Sub. for SB 493: Relating to open captioning for motion pictures
Committee substitute for the committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

1:45 p.m.: Health and Human Resources

SB 399: Creating Bring Them Home Fund
Bill reported without recommendation as to passage, but with recommendation it be referred to Judiciary before original double committee reference to Finance

HB 4022: CPS Allocation
Bill reported without recommendation as to passage, but with recommendation it be referred to Judiciary

HB 4354: Relating to necessity allowance
Bill reported without recommendation as to passage, but with recommendation it be referred to Judiciary before original double committee reference to Finance

HB 4602: Relating to requiring the Department of Human Services to establish a pilot program to contract for supplemental caseworker aide services for the Bureau for Social Services
Bill reported without recommendation as to passage, but with recommendation it be referred to Judiciary before original double committee reference to Finance

HB 4749: Relating to adding requirements to the foster child bill of rights
Bill reported without recommendation as to passage; second reference to Judiciary

2 p.m.: Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 560: Relating to financing and state payments
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 908: Relating to flexibility in setting lottery director’s salary
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 755: Removing state agencies’ requirement to submit annual reports for certain businesses
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 759: Relating to agency changes to auctioneers
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

2 p.m.: Judiciary

HB 4215: Department of Health Rules Bundle — Includes 64 CSR 19, Water Well Regulations; 64 CSR 45, Lead Abatement Licensing; 64 CSR 48, Emergency Medical Services; 64 CSR 51, Fees for Services; 64 CSR 57, Clinical Laboratory Practitioner Licensure; 64 CSR 67, Distribution of State Funds for Support of Local Boards of Health; 64 CSR 73, Basic Public Health Service Standards for Loca Boards of Health; 64 CSR 103, Expedited Partner Therapy; 64 CSR 115, Diabetes Self-Management Education; 65 CSR 29, Exemption from Certificate of Need; 64 CSR 59, Patient Rights at State-Operated Mental Health Facilities; 71 CSR 15, Nursing Home Licensure; 71 CSR 17, Delegation of Medication Administration and Health Maintenance Tasks to Approved Medication Assistive Personnel; 71 CSR 21, Assisted Living Residences; 71 CSR 24, Syringe Services Program Licensure; 71 CSR 25, Behavioral Health Centers Licensure
Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 900: Including certain correctional facilities as “targeted facility”
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 794: Relating to appeals of orders or decrees of adoption
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 950: Relating to mileage and expenses of judges
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 880: Creating Recognizing Judea and Samaria Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that have Completed Legislation as of Friday, February 20, 2026 (11 – 5 Senate; 6 House)

SB 1: Small Business Growth Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 207: Clarifying sheriff’s compensation for collection of taxes (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 208: Exempting certain military records from public release (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 309: Authorizing DOT to promulgate legislative rules (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 692: Authorizing green flashing warning lights on DOH vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 4196: To offer long-acting reversible contraception to patients receiving methadone and suboxone at the treatment facility for the methadone and suboxone (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 4335: Relating to Medicaid providers (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 4696: Authorize the Department of Environmental Protection to deposit funds granted pursuant to federal programs (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 4474: Extending the Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia Advisory Council sunset date (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 4740: Statutory Commitments in Rural Health Transformation Program (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 4982: Make West Virginia Healthy Act of 2026 (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Friday, February 20, 2026 (4 – 1 Senate; 3 House)

SCR 1: Requesting DOH name certain transportation infrastructure (Adopted, 01-29)
HCR 1: Extending an invitation to His Excellency, the Governor, to deliver an address to the Legislature and raising a Joint Assembly therefor (Adopted, 01-14)
HCR 2: Amending Rule 31 of the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 01-14)
HCR 3: House Infrastructure Naming Resolution (Adopted, 01-29)

Committee times and agendas are subject to change. Follow @WVSenClerk on Twitter for updates.

All Senate Committee meetings and floor sessions are available for both live streaming and to watch again in our archives. The link to the Senate’s archived video page can be found here:http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Thursday, February 19, 2026

February 18, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

Thursday, February 19, 2026 – 37th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.Senate Calendar

Scheduled Committee Meetings

9:30 a.m.: Education (451M)

SB 913: Removing annual report requirement for WV Research Trust Fund
SB 925: Providing Future Farmers of America-sanctioned activities not count toward limit of excused absences

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 714: Relating generally to Board of Veterinarians
SB 765: Allowing retail liquor outlets discount certain liquor below minimum markup
Com. Sub. for SB 856: Extending State Fire Marshal inspections to include municipalities with certified fire code
SB 952: Transferring Court Security Fund
Com. Sub. for SB 924: Streamlining and reforming Division of Personnel systems
Com. Sub. for SB 672: Relating to acts for which WV Real Estate Commission may refuse, suspend, or revoke licenses

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources (451M)

SB 805: Relating to abortion pill reversal
SB 795: Permitting parents and guardians to pay for independent medical evaluation of child in protective custody
SB 862: Repealing Addiction Treatment Pilot Program
SB 906: Permitting lawful prescription of crystalline polymorph psilocybin under FDA recommendations

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

Com. Sub. for SB 402: Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act
SB 749: Relating to county economic opportunity development districts
SB 792: Eliminating requirement that Supreme Court of Appeals supply magistrates with copies of WV Code

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 669: Relating to general powers of PSC
Com. Sub. for SB 670: Adopting Uniform Protected Series Act
SB 888: Creating Judicial Deference Reform Act
SB 54: Establishing criminal penalties for abuse or neglect of incapacitated adults

** Committee times and agendas are subject to change **

Senate Bills to be Introduced Thursday, February 19, 2026

SB 993: Providing requirements for midwife licensure (FN) (Woodrum; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 994: Relating to Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain mental health procedures (Takubo; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 995: Conducting oversight of Rural Health Transformation program (Helton; Finance)
SB 996: Creating Jennings Randolph Lake State Park (FN) (Taylor, Smith; Natural Resources then Finance)
SB 997: Allowing certain hospital staff members to begin withdrawing from retirement benefits in certain circumstances (FN) (Smith; Pensions)
SB 998: Recruiting mental health professionals focusing on children and adolescents (FN) (Fuller; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 999: Third Amendment Reaffirmation and Protection Act (Weld; Judiciary)
SB 1000: Creating Alternative Nicotine Products Regulatory Act (Rucker, Grady, Helton; Health and Human Resources)
SB 1001: Establishing WV Nuclear Lifecycle and Advanced Fuel Cycle Development Act (Jeffries; Energy, Industry and Mining)
SB 1002: Allowing counties and municipalities to create special assessment districts (Weld; Energy, Industry and Mining then Finance)
SB 1003: Improving access to medical services in rural areas (FN) (Helton; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 1004: Adding voter approval requirement to close or consolidate schools (Jeffries, Grady; Education then Judiciary)
SB 1005: Clarifying processes of royalty payments for wells in this state (Willis; Judiciary)
SB 1006: Providing equal share of funds from fire and casualty premium tax to all departments (FN) (Morris; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 1007: Relating to voting in WV elections while residing overseas (Morris; Judiciary)
SB 1008: Relating to statute of limitations for asbestos and silica litigation (Helton; Judiciary)
SB 1009: Providing immunity for those who work for Child Advocacy Centers while performing duties (Helton; Judiciary)
SB 1010: Limiting landowner liability for operation of all-terrain vehicles (M. Maynard; Judiciary)
SB 1011: Allowing volunteer fire departments to submit audit paperwork electronically (FN) (Helton; Government Organization)
SB 1012: Developing juvenile inpatient substance use disorder treatment beds in Cabell County (FN) (Fuller; Health and Human Resources)
SB 1013: Allowing certain municipal plan participants to use accrued leave toward credited service upon retirement (Morris; Pensions)
SB 1014: Increasing Medicaid dental provider reimbursement rates (FN) (Oliverio, Takubo; Health and Human Resources then Finance)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Wednesday, February 18, 2026

9:30 a.m.: Natural Resources

Com. Sub. for SB 886: Permitting prescribed fire control on private property without burning permit
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

2 p.m.: Banking and Insurance

Com. Sub. for SB 887: Relating to requirements for licensure and regulation of money service business
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

2 p.m.: Agriculture

SB 97: Equipment Right to Repair Act
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

SB 927: Clarifying Commissioner of Agriculture’s authority to regulate bees
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 932: Specifying that cultivated meat products are adulterated foods
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

3 p.m.: Judiciary

SB 705: Creating offense of theft by conversion
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 59: Clarifying residency requirements for voter registration
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 558: Regarding penalties related to school bus safety
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 905: Requiring election officials to capture and publish ballot images
Bill referred to subcommittee – Senators Rucker (Chair), Garcia, Tarr, Charnock, Deeds appointed

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (94)

SB 1: Small Business Growth Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 4: Relating to crimes against public justice (House Judiciary)
SB 15: Protecting coal and gas minerals from carbon capture practices (House Energy and Public Works)
SB 30: Allowing 18 to 20-year-olds to carry concealed weapon without permit (House Judiciary)
SB 55: Establishing criminal offense for obstructing or hindering home incarceration supervisor or social services worker (House Judiciary)
SB 61: Prohibiting acceptance of illegal ballots cast in any election (House Judiciary)
SB 66: Modifying classes of state of preparedness declared by Governor or Legislature (House Government Organization)
SB 84: Prohibiting law enforcement from placing surveillance cameras on private property (House Judiciary)
SB 104: Providing certain state mine inspectors with raise (House Energy and Public Works then House Finance)
SB 137: Modifying parole eligibility for crime of second degree murder and voluntary manslaughter (House Judiciary)
SB 155: Relating to adjunct teaching permits (House Education)
SB 167: Relating to meetings for local levying bodies (House Government Organization)
SB 173: Prohibiting abortifacients (House Judiciary)
SB 185: Allowing appointment of more than one chief deputy by sheriff (Pending House introduction)
SB 188: Changing length of term of state political party chair (House Judiciary)
SB 207: Clarifying sheriff’s compensation for collection of taxes (H Third Reading, 02-19)
SB 208: Exempting certain military records from public release (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 210: Modifying oversight provisions for Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability (House Health and Human Resources)
SB 231: Relating to value-based payment requirements (House Health of Human Resources then Finance)
SB 233: Clarifying qualifications to be licensed to administer polygraphs (House Government Organization)
SB 251: Authorizing Department of Administration to promulgate legislative rules (House Government Organization)
SB 256: Authorizing DEP to promulgate legislative rules (H Second Reading, 02-19)

SB 281: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules (House Judiciary)
SB 309: Authorizing DOT to promulgate legislative rules (H Second Reading, 02-19)
SB 374: Authorizing Department of Commerce to promulgate legislative rules (House Government Organization)

SB 388: Requiring public elementary or secondary school make Aitken Bible available to certain classrooms (House Education then House Judiciary)
SB 389: Historic Rehab Building Credit Act (House Finance)
SB 390: Altering conditions for flood resiliency disbursements (House Government Organization then House Finance)
SB 393: Updating corporate net income tax definitions (H First Reading, 02-19)
SB 398: Removing full time requirement for health officers (Pending House introduction)
SB 400: Updating personal income tax definitions and provision of law relating to gaming and gambling losses (H First Reading, 02-19)
SB 403: Relating to expanding definition of “tourism attraction” (House Finance)
SB 404: Relating to Department of Human Services authority to contract with certain providers (House Health and Human Resources)
SB 426: Preventing damage to underground facilities (Pending House introduction)
SB 427: Relating to loan form (House Finance)
SB 440: Increasing penalty for transporting telecommunication devices into jails (House Judiciary)
SB 443: Granting municipal fire marshals authority to assist in lawful execution of law-enforcement officer’s official duties (House Government Organization then House Judiciary)
SB 445: Adding Potomac State College as eligible institution for participation in Learn and Earn Program (House Education)
SB 467: Allowing enforcement of Purple Heart parking spaces taken by non-Purple Heart recipients (House Energy and Public Works)
SB 473: Creating felony offense of using electronic device to threaten violence (House Judiciary)
SB 478: Second Amendment Reaffirmation and Protection Act (House Judiciary)
SB 490: Approving short-term training programs for eligibility for federal Workforce Pell Grants (House Government Organization)

SB 506: Permitting certain use of county-owned wireless tower (House Judiciary)
SB 531: Establishing First Amendment Preservation Act (House Judiciary)
SB 532: Relating to certified public accountants (House Finance)

SB 536: Relating to qualifications for serving on certain academic boards (House Education)
SB 543: Requiring Bureau for Social Services to file legislative rule (House Health then House Judiciary)
SB 556: Modifying priority of insurance coverage for drivers of certain vehicles to make consistent with federal law (House Judiciary then House Finance)
SB 570: Supplemental Appropriation to Department of Health, fund 8802 (House Finance)
SB 573: Relating to requirements for disclosures and recordkeeping by persons making mortgage loans (House Finance)
SB 574: Relating to bank merger by interstate branching (House Finance)
SB 581: Eliminating requirement that commissioner approve joint account forms used by banking institutions (House Finance)
SB 582: Relating to requirements for licensure as mortgage lender or broker (House Finance)

SB 586: Modifying requirements for public water systems (House Government Organization)
SB 592: WV Short Line Railroad Modernization Act (House Finance)
SB 603: Relating to Property Valuation Training and Procedures Commission (Pending House introduction)
SB 604: Extending Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia Advisory Council sunset date (House Health)
SB 607: Relating to federally approved project delivery methods for airport capital improvement projects (House Government Organization)
SB 615: Requiring persons with illegal immigration status be turned over to ICE (House Judiciary)
SB 622: Extending mine safety technology tax credit (House Finance)
SB 625: Relating to responsibility of board of public service district that is being dissolved (House Energy and Public Works)
SB 633: Relating to WV Commission on Holocaust Education (House Education)
SB 640: Prohibiting release of certain personal information of contributors to political elections (H Second Reading, 02-19)
SB 643: Discontinuing WV Supreme Court of Appeals Public Campaign Financing Program (House Judiciary)
SB 645: Prohibiting surprise billing of ground emergency medical services by nonparticipating providers (House Health and Human Resources)
SB 648: Strategic and Critical Resources Act (Pending House introduction)
SB 671: Relating to WV Real Estate Commission (House Government Organization)
SB 692: Authorizing green flashing warning lights on DOH vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

SB 694: Removing county residency requirement for county superintendent of schools (House Education)
SB 703: Adopting Social Work Licensure Compact (Pending House introduction)

SB 704: Prohibiting certain compensation for advising or assisting with veterans benefits (House Judiciary)
SB 712: Allowing installation of cattle guards on certain public roads (House Energy and Public Works)
SB 726: Removing cap for municipalities on their stabilization fund (House Finance)
SB 756: Extending authority to state spending units (Pending House introduction)
SB 772: Declaring certain claims against WV to be moral obligations (House Finance)
SB 778: Relating to eligibility for homebound services for exceptional children (Pending House introduction)
SB 781: Supplemental appropriation for Civil Contingent Fund, fund 0105 (House Finance)
SB 784: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Human Services, fund 8793 (Pending House introduction)
SB 785: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Health, fund 5163 (Pending House introduction)
SB 786: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Human Services, fund 5094 (Pending House introduction)
SB 793: Relating to courthouse closures on certain days (House Judiciary)
SB 796: Relating to distribution of West Virginia reports (House Judiciary)
SB 800: Clarifying policy of state regarding jury service (House Judiciary)
SB 802: Relating to school preparation days (Pending House introduction)
SB 804: Removing physical education requirements for certain middle and high school athletes (House Education)
SB 821: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Administration, fund 2367 (Pending House introduction)
SB 823: Supplementary appropriation to Department of Revenue, fund 7352 (Pending House introduction)
SB 824: Supplementary appropriation to Department of Veterans’ Assistance, fund 6703 (Pending House introduction)
SB 825: Supplementary appropriation to Department of Administration, fund 0226 (House Finance)
SB 826: Supplementary appropriation to Division of Natural Resources, fund 3211 (Pending House introduction)
SB 831: Supplemental Appropriation to Department of Human Services, fund 8794 (Pending House introduction)
SB 843: Supplemental Appropriation to Department of Health, fund 5144 (Pending House introduction)
SB 868: Supplemental Appropriation for fiscal year ending June 30, 2026 (House Finance)
SB 875: Supplemental appropriation to Department of Commerce, fund 8703 (Pending House introduction)

Bills that have Completed Legislation as of Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (4 – 3 Senate; 1 House)

SB 1: Small Business Growth Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 208: Exempting certain military records from public release (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 692: Authorizing green flashing warning lights on DOH vehicles (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 4474: Extending the Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia Advisory Council sunset date (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (4 – 1 Senate; 3 House)

SCR 1: Requesting DOH name certain transportation infrastructure (Adopted, 01-29)
HCR 1: Extending an invitation to His Excellency, the Governor, to deliver an address to the Legislature and raising a Joint Assembly therefor (Adopted, 01-14)
HCR 2: Amending Rule 31 of the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Delegates (Adopted, 01-14)
HCR 3: House Infrastructure Naming Resolution (Adopted, 01-29)

Committee times and agendas are subject to change. Follow @WVSenClerk on Twitter for updates.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Wednesday, February 18, 2026

February 17, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 – 36th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.Senate Calendar

Scheduled Committee Meetings

9:30 a.m.: Natural Resources (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 886: Permitting prescribed fire control on private property without burning permit
Presentation: Brett McMillion, Director, WVDNR – Information about the upcoming Natural Resource Commission meeting
Presentation: Patrick “Cully” McCurdy, National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) District Biologist – Information on SB 886

1 p.m.: Select Committee on School Choice (208W)

SB 644: Requiring State Treasurer participate in federal tax credit scholarship program

2 p.m.: Banking and Insurance (451M)

Com. Sub. for SB 887: Relating to requirements for licensure and regulation of money service business
Com. Sub. for SB 904: Modernizing and updating workers’ compensation statutes

2 p.m.: Agriculture (208W)

SB 97: Equipment Right to Repair Act
SB 927: Clarifying Commissioner of Agriculture’s authority to regulate bees
SB 932: Specifying that cultivated meat products are adulterated foods

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

SB 666: Determining liability for exposure to asbestos or silica
SB 59: Clarifying residency requirements for voter registration
SB 905: Requiring election officials to capture and publish ballot images

** Committee times and agendas are subject to change **

Senate Bills to be Introduced Wednesday, February 18, 2026

SB 979: Requiring Division of Highways publish project bids on its website (Rucker; Transportation and Infrastructure)
SB 980: Clarifying office of Prosecuting Attorney exemption from Freedom of Information Act (Clements; Judiciary)
SB 981: Imposing one-year moratorium on approval of certain public utility rate increases (Chapman; Government Organization)
SB 982: Creating Neighborhood Access Road Program (FN) (Morris; Transportation and Infrastructure then Finance)
SB 983: Creating State Tax Lien Registry (FN) (Morris; Finance)
SB 984: Clarifying that petition to restore firearms rights may include right to serve on jury (Phillips; Judiciary)
SB 985: Relating to registration and enforcement of kratom products (FN) (Thorne; Finance)
SB 986: Creating criminal penalties for child torture (Willis; Judiciary)
SB 987: Prohibiting discrimination based upon gender identity or sexual orientation (Garcia; Judiciary)
SB 988: Authorizing staffing recommendations and limits by Department of Education (M. Maynard, Chapman, Weld; Education)
SB 989: Changing membership requirements of Medical Services Fund Advisory Council (FN) (Morris; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 990: Creating WV ALS Care Services Act (FN) (Deeds; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 991: Codifying common law cause of action of public nuisance (Z. Maynard; Judiciary)
SB 992: Conducting study of vaccinated and unvaccinated pediatric populations (FN) (Rucker; Health and Human Resources then Finance)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Tuesday, February 17, 2026

9:30 a.m.: Education

Com. Sub. for SB 890: Changing certain school calendar requirements from days or months to hours
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 899: Permitting certain teachers to be certified to work as school principals
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization

Com. Sub. for SB 757: Allowing 10-day grace period for certain government contract bids to address bonding errors
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 659: Prohibiting certain restrictions on regulation of accessory dwelling units
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 65: Removing persons who perform drywall services from definition of “contractor” in Contractor Licensing Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 916: Using “A.C.” as name ending for accounting corporation
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources

Com. Sub. for SB 662: Relating to colorectal cancer prevention
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 745: Relating to requirements for school nutrition programs
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 763: Requiring children to be screened for sex trafficking upon entering foster care
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 773: Requiring Department of Health to report positive alpha-gal tests to CDC
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

HB 4626: Relating to the establishment of a grant program to fund the United States Food and Drug Administration’s drug development trials with ibogaine
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

2 p.m.: Economic Development

Com. Sub. for SB 94: Relating to Robert C. Byrd Corridor H Highway Authority
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 749: Relating to county economic opportunity development districts
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 878: Creating Office of Entrepreneurship within Office of Secretary of State
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 928: Relating to manufacture, sale, and distribution of low-proof spirit alcohol products
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

HB 4575: Making Supplemental Appropriation to State Board of Education
Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Judiciary

Com. Sub. for SB 742: Permitting physicians to determine 72-hour holds without contracting enumerated individuals
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for HB 4179: To create felony charge for individuals who assault police officers or police dogs
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (75)

SB 1: Small Business Growth Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 4: Relating to crimes against public justice (House Judiciary)
SB 15: Protecting coal and gas minerals from carbon capture practices (House Energy and Public Works)
SB 30: Allowing 18 to 20-year-olds to carry concealed weapon without permit (House Judiciary)
SB 55: Establishing criminal offense for obstructing or hindering home incarceration supervisor or social services worker (House Judiciary)
SB 61: Prohibiting acceptance of illegal ballots cast in any election (House Judiciary)
SB 66: Modifying classes of state of preparedness declared by Governor or Legislature (House Government Organization)
SB 84: Prohibiting law enforcement from placing surveillance cameras on private property (House Judiciary)
SB 104: Providing certain state mine inspectors with raise (House Energy and Public Works then House Finance)
SB 137: Modifying parole eligibility for crime of second degree murder and voluntary manslaughter (House Judiciary)
SB 155: Relating to adjunct teaching permits (House Education)
SB 167: Relating to meetings for local levying bodies (House Government Organization)
SB 173: Prohibiting abortifacients (House Judiciary)
SB 188: Changing length of term of state political party chair (House Judiciary)
SB 207: Clarifying sheriff’s compensation for collection of taxes (H Second Reading, 02-18)
SB 208: Exempting certain military records from public release (H Third Reading, 02-18)
SB 210: Modifying oversight provisions for Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability (House Health and Human Resources)
SB 231: Relating to value-based payment requirements (House Health of Human Resources then Finance)
SB 233: Clarifying qualifications to be licensed to administer polygraphs (House Government Organization)
SB 251: Authorizing Department of Administration to promulgate legislative rules (House Government Organization)
SB 256: Authorizing DEP to promulgate legislative rules (H First Reading, 02-18)

SB 281: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules (House Judiciary)
SB 309: Authorizing DOT to promulgate legislative rules (H First Reading, 02-18)
SB 374: Authorizing Department of Commerce to promulgate legislative rules (House Government Organization)

SB 388: Requiring public elementary or secondary school make Aitken Bible available to certain classrooms (House Education then House Judiciary)
SB 389: Historic Rehab Building Credit Act (House Finance)
SB 390: Altering conditions for flood resiliency disbursements (House Government Organization then House Finance)
SB 393: Updating corporate net income tax definitions (House Finance)
SB 400: Updating personal income tax definitions and provision of law relating to gaming and gambling losses (House Finance)
SB 403: Relating to expanding definition of “tourism attraction” (House Finance)
SB 404: Relating to Department of Human Services authority to contract with certain providers (House Health and Human Resources)
SB 427: Relating to loan form (House Finance)
SB 440: Increasing penalty for transporting telecommunication devices into jails (House Judiciary)
SB 443: Granting municipal fire marshals authority to assist in lawful execution of law-enforcement officer’s official duties (House Government Organization then House Judiciary)
SB 445: Adding Potomac State College as eligible institution for participation in Learn and Earn Program (House Education)
SB 467: Allowing enforcement of Purple Heart parking spaces taken by non-Purple Heart recipients (House Energy and Public Works)
SB 473: Creating felony offense of using electronic device to threaten violence (House Judiciary)
SB 478: Second Amendment Reaffirmation and Protection Act (House Judiciary)
SB 490: Approving short-term training programs for eligibility for federal Workforce Pell Grants (House Government Organization)

SB 506: Permitting certain use of county-owned wireless tower (House Judiciary)
SB 531: Establishing First Amendment Preservation Act (House Judiciary)
SB 532: Relating to certified public accountants (House Finance)

SB 536: Relating to qualifications for serving on certain academic boards (House Education)
SB 543: Requiring Bureau for Social Services to file legislative rule (House Health then House Judiciary)
SB 556: Modifying priority of insurance coverage for drivers of certain vehicles to make consistent with federal law (House Judiciary then House Finance)
SB 570: Supplemental Appropriation to Department of Health, fund 8802 (House Finance)
SB 573: Relating to requirements for disclosures and recordkeeping by persons making mortgage loans (House Finance)
SB 574: Relating to bank merger by interstate branching (House Finance)
SB 581: Eliminating requirement that commissioner approve joint account forms used by banking institutions (House Finance)
SB 582: Relating to requirements for licensure as mortgage lender or broker (House Finance)

SB 586: Modifying requirements for public water systems (House Government Organization)
SB 592: WV Short Line Railroad Modernization Act (House Finance)
SB 604: Extending Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia Advisory Council sunset date (House Health)
SB 607: Relating to federally approved project delivery methods for airport capital improvement projects (House Government Organization)
SB 615: Requiring persons with illegal immigration status be turned over to ICE (House Judiciary)
SB 622: Extending mine safety technology tax credit (House Finance)
SB 625: Relating to responsibility of board of public service district that is being dissolved (House Energy and Public Works)
SB 633: Relating to WV Commission on Holocaust Education (House Education)
SB 640: Prohibiting release of certain personal information of contributors to political elections (Pending House introduction)
SB 643: Discontinuing WV Supreme Court of Appeals Public Campaign Financing Program (Pending House introduction)
SB 645: Prohibiting surprise billing of ground emergency medical services by nonparticipating providers (House Health and Human Resources)
SB 671: Relating to WV Real Estate Commission (House Government Organization)
SB 692: Authorizing green flashing warning lights on DOH vehicles (H Third Reading, 02-18)
SB 694: Removing county residency requirement for county superintendent of schools (House Education)

SB 704: Prohibiting certain compensation for advising or assisting with veterans benefits (House Judiciary)
SB 712: Allowing installation of cattle guards on certain public roads (Pending House introduction)
SB 726: Removing cap for municipalities on their stabilization fund (House Finance)
SB 772: Declaring certain claims against WV to be moral obligations (House Finance)
SB 781: Supplemental appropriation for Civil Contingent Fund, fund 0105 (House Finance)
SB 793: Relating to courthouse closures on certain days (Pending House introduction)
SB 796: Relating to distribution of West Virginia reports (Pending House introduction)
SB 800: Clarifying policy of state regarding jury service (Pending House introduction)
SB 804: Removing physical education requirements for certain middle and high school athletes (House Education)
SB 825: Supplementary appropriation to Department of Administration, fund 0226 (House Finance)
SB 868: Supplemental Appropriation for fiscal year ending June 30, 2026 (House Finance)

Bills that have Completed Legislation as of Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (2 – 1 Senate; 1 House)

SB 1: Small Business Growth Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
HB 4474: Extending the Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia Advisory Council sunset date (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)

Committee times and agendas are subject to change. Follow @WVSenClerk on Twitter for updates.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Member Press Release

Legislature Completes Action on Small Business Growth Act

February 16, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

The West Virginia Legislature today completed action on Senate Bill 1, the Small Business Growth Act, making it the first piece of legislation that will be sent to Governor Patrick Morrisey for action for the 2026 Regular Session.

SB 1, sponsored by Senate President Randy E. Smith, R-Preston, was designed entirely to help West Virginia small businesses take advantage of a tax credit to secure private investment. The bill incorporates most of House Bill 4003, the West Virginia First Small Business Growth Act, to offer a limited tax credit against the West Virginia Insurance Premium Tax to financial institutions that invest in state-certified growth funds. The Department of Commerce would oversee the program to ensure qualification and compliance.

To qualify for the funds, a business must principally operate in West Virginia, have fewer than 250 employees at the time of application, and have at least 60 percent of their workforce in the state.

“This bill shows our small businesses in West Virginia that we’ve got their backs,” Senate President Smith said. “West Virginia has done great work in the past 10 years with its economic development efforts, but I’ve heard from small business owners across the state that they’re hurting, too, and they also need help. They also could benefit from the same kind of investment that large corporations get. Thanks to the hard work of the House of Delegates, we’ve got a bill that will accomplish that.”

Senate President Smith added that this program is modeled after a successful federal program that currently exists in 18 other states.

“We’ve put in safeguards to ensure the taxpayers are protected and their money will not be wasted on bad investments,” Senate President Smith said. “The program requires a capital investment in West Virginia, and we’re allowing private equity to make those investments in private business.”

Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, said he’s eager to see the benefits this bill will bring to West Virginia’s communities.

“I’m really excited about Senate Bill 1 because of the opportunity it will provide exclusively for our small, West Virginia businesses that can benefit from a pool of capital to grow,” Speaker Hanshaw said. “A business in my community that adds five new positions may not make the top story of statewide news, but that is a tangible, lasting impact with ripple effects for our entire economy.”

The 2026 Regular Session ends on Saturday, March 14.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323 and Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Tuesday, February 17, 2026

February 16, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 – 35th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.Senate Calendar

Scheduled Committee Meetings

9:30 a.m.: Education (451M)

SB 890: Changing certain school calendar requirements from days or months to hours
SB 899: Permitting certain teachers to be certified to work as school principals

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 757: Allowing 10-day grace period for certain government contract bids to address bonding errors
Com. Sub. for SB 659: Prohibiting certain restrictions on regulation of accessory dwelling units
Com. Sub. for SB 65: Removing persons who perform drywall services from definition of “contractor” in Contractor Licensing Act
SB 916: Using “A.C.” as name ending for accounting corporation

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources (451M)

SB 662: Relating to colorectal cancer prevention
SB 745: Relating to requirements for school nutrition programs
SB 763: Requiring children to be screened for sex trafficking upon entering foster care
SB 773: Requiring Department of Health to report positive alpha-gal tests to CDC
SB 805: Relating to abortion pill reversal
HB 4626: Relating to the establishment of a grant program to fund the United States Food and Drug Administration’s drug development trials with ibogaine

2 p.m.: Economic Development (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 49: Relating to permissible expenditures by Water Development Authority from Infrastructure Fund
SB 749: Relating to county economic opportunity development districts

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

Com. Sub. for SB 878: Creating Office of Entrepreneurship within Office of Secretary of State
SB 617: Banking and Financial Services Provider Protections for Eligible Adults from Financial Exploitation
SB 928: Relating to manufacture, sale, and distribution of low-proof spirit alcohol products
HB 4575: Making Supplemental Appropriation to State Board of Education

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 742: Permitting physicians to determine 72-hour holds without contracting enumerated individuals
Com. Sub. for HB 4179: To create felony charge for individuals who assault police officers or police dogs

** Committee times and agendas are subject to change **

Senate Bills to be Introduced Tuesday, February 17, 2026

SB 960: Adjusting liquor license requirements for certain private events (Rucker; Finance)
SB 961: Requiring for every regulation issued at least two be removed (Willis; Judiciary then Finance)
SB 962: Requiring high school students to pass US citizenship exam (Willis; Education)
SB 963: Protecting due process in firearm confiscation (Willis; Judiciary)
SB 964: Creating volunteer board to review and rate library books (Willis; Government Organization)
SB 965: Providing protection of personal information of certain attorneys (Willis; Judiciary)
SB 966: Changing requirements for home school instruction (Willis; School Choice)
SB 967: Removing provisions that transformers do not apply to aboveground storage tanks (Willis; Energy, Industry and Mining)
SB 968: Clarifying registration and purchaser requirements for tax-abandoned land auctions (Jeffries; Government Organization)
SB 969: Providing county boards of education option to obtain certain alternate professional or other liability insurance coverage (Azinger; Banking and Insurance then Finance)
SB 970: Exempting volunteer fire departments from raffle regulations (Morris; Government Organization)
SB 971: Providing fire safety requirements for agritourism businesses (Morris; Agriculture then Government Organization)
SB 972: Relating to education placements during child abuse and neglect investigations (FN) (Grady, Garcia; School Choice then Finance)
SB 973: Creating crime of property disposal for purposes of avoiding debt or asset repayment (Weld; Judiciary)
SB 974: Clarifying Attorney General oversight of political subdivision’s hiring of private attorneys (FN) (Z. Maynard; Judiciary then Finance)
SB 975: Excluding county reimbursement for any inmate declared incompetent to stand trial (Phillips; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 976: Authorizing optional use of county-wide voting centers on election day (FN) (Charnock; Judiciary then Finance)
SB 977: Creating benefit for duty-related partial disability (Barrett; Pensions then Finance)
SB 978: Authorizing certain municipalities to become members of Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System (Barrett; Pensions then Finance)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Monday, February 16, 2026

1 p.m.: Transportation and Infrastructure

Com. Sub. for SB 690: Creating alternative DOH procurement procedure
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 691: Relating to utility lines on DOH rights-of-way
Bill laid over to a future meeting

Com. Sub. for SB 752: Transferring authority for racing events from county commissions to DOT
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 753: Establishing Adopt-A-Road program
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

1 p.m.: Workforce

SB 553: Providing for transfer of license to contractor’s qualifying immediate family member
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

2 p.m.: Pensions

SB 141: Increasing WV Natural Resources Police Officer Retirement System accrued benefit for certain members
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 149: Allowing certain contracted counsel for executive agencies to purchase years of service in PERS
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 774: Allowing certain county EMS officers to participate in EMS Retirement System
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

2 p.m.: Energy, Industry and Mining

SR 32: Protecting WV coal jobs, coal power, and coal families
Resolution reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it be adopted

Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 4026: Relating to expanding the requirements for integrated resource plans utility companies must file with the Public Service Commission
Bill referred to subcommittee; Senators Helton (Chair), Fuller, Garcia appointed

3 p.m.: Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 243: Establishing disaster repair and recovery effort tax credit for taxpayers subject to severance and business privilege tax in certain circumstances
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 392: Relating to personal income tax reduction
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 250: Budget Bill
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 814: Supplemental appropriation to State Board of Education, fund 031
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 841: Supplemental Appropriation to State Board of Education, fund 3951
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 871: Supplemental appropriation to State Board of Education, fund 3517
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 828: Supplemental Appropriation to Department of Human Services, fund 5090
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Judiciary

Com. Sub. for SB 799: Requiring receipt of return of service or return receipt be filed with court
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 493: Relating to open captioning for motion pictures
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Monday, February 16, 2026 (70)

SB 1: Small Business Growth Act (Completed legislation; awaiting action by the Governor)
SB 4: Relating to crimes against public justice (House Judiciary)
SB 15: Protecting coal and gas minerals from carbon capture practices (House Energy and Public Works)
SB 30: Allowing 18 to 20-year-olds to carry concealed weapon without permit (House Judiciary)
SB 55: Establishing criminal offense for obstructing or hindering home incarceration supervisor or social services worker (House Judiciary)
SB 61: Prohibiting acceptance of illegal ballots cast in any election (House Judiciary)
SB 66: Modifying classes of state of preparedness declared by Governor or Legislature (House Government Organization)
SB 84: Prohibiting law enforcement from placing surveillance cameras on private property (House Judiciary)
SB 104: Providing certain state mine inspectors with raise (Pending House introduction)
SB 137: Modifying parole eligibility for crime of second degree murder and voluntary manslaughter (House Judiciary)
SB 155: Relating to adjunct teaching permits (House Education)
SB 167: Relating to meetings for local levying bodies (House Government Organization)
SB 173: Prohibiting abortifacients (House Judiciary)
SB 188: Changing length of term of state political party chair (Pending House introduction)
SB 207: Clarifying sheriff’s compensation for collection of taxes (H First Reading, Inactive Calendar, 02-10)
SB 208: Exempting certain military records from public release (H Second Reading, Inactive Calendar, 02-13)
SB 210: Modifying oversight provisions for Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability (House Health and Human Resources)
SB 231: Relating to value-based payment requirements (Pending House introduction)
SB 233: Clarifying qualifications to be licensed to administer polygraphs (House Government Organization)
SB 251: Authorizing Department of Administration to promulgate legislative rules (Pending House introduction)
SB 256: Authorizing DEP to promulgate legislative rules (House Energy and Public Works)

SB 281: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules (House Judiciary)
SB 309: Authorizing DOT to promulgate legislative rules (House Government Organization)
SB 374: Authorizing Department of Commerce to promulgate legislative rules (House Government Organization)

SB 388: Requiring public elementary or secondary school make Aitken Bible available to certain classrooms (House Education then House Judiciary)
SB 389: Historic Rehab Building Credit Act (House Finance)
SB 390: Altering conditions for flood resiliency disbursements (House Government Organization then House Finance)
SB 393: Updating corporate net income tax definitions (House Finance)
SB 400: Updating personal income tax definitions and provision of law relating to gaming and gambling losses (House Finance)
SB 403: Relating to expanding definition of “tourism attraction” (House Government Organization)
SB 404: Relating to Department of Human Services authority to contract with certain providers (House Health and Human Resources)
SB 427: Relating to loan form (House Finance)
SB 440: Increasing penalty for transporting telecommunication devices into jails (House Judiciary)
SB 443: Granting municipal fire marshals authority to assist in lawful execution of law-enforcement officer’s official duties (House Government Organization then House Judiciary)
SB 445: Adding Potomac State College as eligible institution for participation in Learn and Earn Program (House Education)
SB 467: Allowing enforcement of Purple Heart parking spaces taken by non-Purple Heart recipients (House Energy and Public Works)
SB 473: Creating felony offense of using electronic device to threaten violence (House Judiciary)
SB 478: Second Amendment Reaffirmation and Protection Act (House Judiciary)
SB 490: Approving short-term training programs for eligibility for federal Workforce Pell Grants (House Government Organization)

SB 506: Permitting certain use of county-owned wireless tower (House Judiciary)
SB 531: Establishing First Amendment Preservation Act (House Judiciary)
SB 532: Relating to certified public accountants (House Finance)

SB 536: Relating to qualifications for serving on certain academic boards (House Education)
SB 543: Requiring Bureau for Social Services to file legislative rule (House Health then House Judiciary)
SB 556: Modifying priority of insurance coverage for drivers of certain vehicles to make consistent with federal law (House Judiciary then House Finance)
SB 570: Supplemental Appropriation to Department of Health, fund 8802 (House Finance)
SB 573: Relating to requirements for disclosures and recordkeeping by persons making mortgage loans (House Finance)
SB 574: Relating to bank merger by interstate branching (House Finance)
SB 581: Eliminating requirement that commissioner approve joint account forms used by banking institutions (House Finance)
SB 582: Relating to requirements for licensure as mortgage lender or broker (House Finance)

SB 586: Modifying requirements for public water systems (House Government Organization)
SB 592: WV Short Line Railroad Modernization Act (House Finance)
SB 604: Extending Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia Advisory Council sunset date (House Health)
SB 607: Relating to federally approved project delivery methods for airport capital improvement projects (House Government Organization)
SB 615: Requiring persons with illegal immigration status be turned over to ICE (House Judiciary)
SB 622: Extending mine safety technology tax credit (House Finance)
SB 625: Relating to responsibility of board of public service district that is being dissolved (House Energy and Public Works)
SB 633: Relating to WV Commission on Holocaust Education (House Education)
SB 640: Prohibiting release of certain personal information of contributors to political elections (Pending House introduction)
SB 645: Prohibiting surprise billing of ground emergency medical services by nonparticipating providers (House Health and Human Resources)
SB 671: Relating to WV Real Estate Commission (Pending House introduction)
SB 692: Authorizing green flashing warning lights on DOH vehicles (H Second Reading, 02-17)
SB 694: Removing county residency requirement for county superintendent of schools (House Education)

SB 704: Prohibiting certain compensation for advising or assisting with veterans benefits (House Judiciary)
SB 726: Removing cap for municipalities on their stabilization fund (Pending House introduction)
SB 772: Declaring certain claims against WV to be moral obligations (House Finance)
SB 781: Supplemental appropriation for Civil Contingent Fund, fund 0105 (House Finance)
SB 804: Removing physical education requirements for certain middle and high school athletes (Pending House introduction)
SB 825: Supplementary appropriation to Department of Administration, fund 0226 (Pending House introduction)
SB 868: Supplemental Appropriation for fiscal year ending June 30, 2026 (Pending House introduction)

Committee times and agendas are subject to change. Follow @WVSenClerk on Twitter for updates.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Monday, February 16, 2026

February 15, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

Monday, February 16, 2026 – 34th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11:15 a.m.Senate Calendar

Scheduled Committee Meetings

1 p.m.: Transportation and Infrastructure (451M)

Com. Sub. for SB 690: Creating alternative DOH procurement procedure
Com. Sub. for SB 691: Relating to utility lines on DOH rights-of-way
Com. Sub. for SB 752: Transferring authority for racing events from county commissions to DOT
Com. Sub. for SB 753: Establishing Adopt-A-Road program

1 p.m.: Workforce (208W)

SB 553: Providing for transfer of license to contractor’s qualifying immediate family member

2 p.m.: Pensions (451M)

SB 141: Increasing WV Natural Resources Police Officer Retirement System accrued benefit for certain members
SB 149: Allowing certain contracted counsel for executive agencies to purchase years of service in PERS
Com. Sub. for SB 774: Allowing certain county EMS officers to participate in EMS Retirement System

2 p.m.: Energy, Industry and Mining (208W)

SR 32: Protecting WV coal jobs, coal power, and coal families
Eng. Com. Sub. for HB 4026: Relating to expanding the requirements for integrated resource plans utility companies must file with the Public Service Commission

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

Agenda TBA

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

SB 799: Requiring receipt of return of service or return receipt be filed with court
SB 59: Clarifying residency requirements for voter registration
SB 493: Relating to open captioning for motion pictures

** Committee times and agendas are subject to change **

Senate Bills to be Introduced Monday, February 16, 2026

A list of bills to be introduced in the Senate on Monday, February 16, 2026, will be available on the Legislature’s website HERE.

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Friday, February 13, 2026

9 a.m.: Finance

SB 228: Relating to use of technology in child abuse and neglect investigations
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 549: Raising pay for jurors from $40 per day to $100 per day
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 575: Relating to refusal review hearings
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 28: Allowing members of State Police retirement system to use accrued leave as credit toward retirement
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 206: Updating retirement eligibility for certain sheriffs
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 717: Modifying disability and retirement benefits and procedures for municipal police and firefighters
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 719: Relating to Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 724: Relating to home confinement officers’ participation in EMS retirement system
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Friday, February 13, 2026 (60)

SB 1: Small Business Growth Act (Passed House; pending Senate concurrence to House amendment)
SB 4: Relating to crimes against public justice (House Judiciary)
SB 15: Protecting coal and gas minerals from carbon capture practices (House Energy and Public Works)
SB 30: Allowing 18 to 20-year-olds to carry concealed weapon without permit (House Judiciary)
SB 55: Establishing criminal offense for obstructing or hindering home incarceration supervisor or social services worker (House Judiciary)
SB 61: Prohibiting acceptance of illegal ballots cast in any election (House Judiciary)
SB 66: Modifying classes of state of preparedness declared by Governor or Legislature (House Government Organization)
SB 84: Prohibiting law enforcement from placing surveillance cameras on private property (House Judiciary)
SB 137: Modifying parole eligibility for crime of second degree murder and voluntary manslaughter (House Judiciary)
SB 155: Relating to adjunct teaching permits (House Education)
SB 167: Relating to meetings for local levying bodies (House Government Organization)
SB 173: Prohibiting abortifacients (Pending House introduction)
SB 207: Clarifying sheriff’s compensation for collection of taxes (H First Reading, Inactive Calendar, 02-10)
SB 208: Exempting certain military records from public release (H Second Reading, Inactive Calendar, 02-13)
SB 210: Modifying oversight provisions for Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability (House Health and Human Resources)
SB 233: Clarifying qualifications to be licensed to administer polygraphs (House Government Organization)
SB 256: Authorizing DEP to promulgate legislative rules (House Energy and Public Works)

SB 281: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules (House Judiciary)
SB 309: Authorizing DOT to promulgate legislative rules (House Government Organization)
SB 374: Authorizing Department of Commerce to promulgate legislative rules (House Government Organization)

SB 388: Requiring public elementary or secondary school make Aitken Bible available to certain classrooms (House Education then House Judiciary)
SB 389: Historic Rehab Building Credit Act (Pending House introduction)
SB 390: Altering conditions for flood resiliency disbursements (House Government Organization then House Finance)
SB 393: Updating corporate net income tax definitions (Pending House introduction)
SB 400: Updating personal income tax definitions and provision of law relating to gaming and gambling losses (House Finance)
SB 403: Relating to expanding definition of “tourism attraction” (House Government Organization)
SB 404: Relating to Department of Human Services authority to contract with certain providers (House Health and Human Resources)
SB 427: Relating to loan form (House Finance)
SB 440: Increasing penalty for transporting telecommunication devices into jails (House Judiciary)
SB 443: Granting municipal fire marshals authority to assist in lawful execution of law-enforcement officer’s official duties (House Government Organization then House Judiciary)
SB 445: Adding Potomac State College as eligible institution for participation in Learn and Earn Program (House Education)
SB 467: Allowing enforcement of Purple Heart parking spaces taken by non-Purple Heart recipients (House Energy and Public Works)
SB 473: Creating felony offense of using electronic device to threaten violence (House Judiciary)
SB 478: Second Amendment Reaffirmation and Protection Act (House Judiciary)
SB 490: Approving short-term training programs for eligibility for federal Workforce Pell Grants (House Government Organization)

SB 506: Permitting certain use of county-owned wireless tower (House Judiciary)
SB 531: Establishing First Amendment Preservation Act (Pending House introduction)
SB 532: Relating to certified public accountants (House Finance)

SB 536: Relating to qualifications for serving on certain academic boards (House Education)
SB 543: Requiring Bureau for Social Services to file legislative rule (House Health then House Judiciary)
SB 556: Modifying priority of insurance coverage for drivers of certain vehicles to make consistent with federal law (House Judiciary then House Finance)
SB 570: Supplemental Appropriation to Department of Health, fund 8802 (Pending House introduction)
SB 573: Relating to requirements for disclosures and recordkeeping by persons making mortgage loans (House Finance)
SB 574: Relating to bank merger by interstate branching (House Finance)
SB 581: Eliminating requirement that commissioner approve joint account forms used by banking institutions (House Finance)
SB 582: Relating to requirements for licensure as mortgage lender or broker (House Finance)

SB 586: Modifying requirements for public water systems (House Government Organization)
SB 592: WV Short Line Railroad Modernization Act (House Finance)
SB 604: Extending Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia Advisory Council sunset date (House Health)
SB 607: Relating to federally approved project delivery methods for airport capital improvement projects (House Government Organization)
SB 615: Requiring persons with illegal immigration status be turned over to ICE (House Judiciary)
SB 622: Extending mine safety technology tax credit (House Finance)
SB 625: Relating to responsibility of board of public service district that is being dissolved (House Energy and Public Works)
SB 633: Relating to WV Commission on Holocaust Education (House Education)
SB 645: Prohibiting surprise billing of ground emergency medical services by nonparticipating providers (House Health and Human Resources)
SB 692: Authorizing green flashing warning lights on DOH vehicles (Pending House introduction)
SB 694: Removing county residency requirement for county superintendent of schools (House Education)

SB 704: Prohibiting certain compensation for advising or assisting with veterans benefits (House Judiciary)
SB 772: Declaring certain claims against WV to be moral obligations (Pending House introduction)
SB 781: Supplemental appropriation for Civil Contingent Fund, fund 0105 (Pending House introduction)

Action on House Bills in the Senate as of Friday, February 13, 2026 (69)

HB 4002: Establishing the West Virginia Collaboratory (Education)
HB 4004: Relating to the creation of the Recharge West Virginia Program (Economic Development then Finance)
HB 4005: Skills to work (Government Organization)
HB 4007: Relating to industrial access roads (Economic Development then Finance)
HB 4008: Relating to Business Ready Sites Program (Economic Development)

HB 4011: Relating to advanced recycling (Government Organization)
HB 4012: Relating to reducing the regulatory burden on utility companies when constructing and maintaining electric power generation and transmission facilities within this state (Energy, Industry and Mining)

HB 4022: CPS Allocation (Health and Human Resources)
HB 4026: Relating to expanding the requirements for integrated resource plans utility companies must file with the Public Service Commission (Energy, Industry and Mining)
HB 4028: Relating to sales tax on construction materials (Finance)
HB 4036: Relating to stricter enforcement for parking in a handicapped designated spot (Transportation and Infrastructure then Judiciary)
HB 4053: To establish the blue envelope program (Transportation and Infrastructure then Health and Human Resources)

HB 4081: To create the Higher Education Health and Aid Grant (Education then Finance)
HB 4089: Preservation of hair during chemotherapy, also known as the “Jessica Huffman Bill” (Health and Human Resources then Finance)
HB 4098: To restore the right of a person to sit on a jury has been restored upon expungement of one’s record (Pending Senate introduction)

HB 4137: Updating the West Virginia Law Institute (Judiciary)
HB 4138: Relating to persons convicted of a crime (Judiciary)
HB 4169: Relating to mental health examination requirements (Judiciary)
HB 4179: To create felony charge for individuals who assault police officers or police dogs (Judiciary)
HB 4196: To offer long-acting reversible contraception to patients receiving methadone and suboxone at the treatment facility for the methadone and suboxone (Health and Human Resources)
HB 4198: E-Verify Safe Harbor Act (Judiciary)

HB 4215: Department of Health Rules Bundle (Judiciary)
HB 4335: Relating to Medicaid providers (Health and Human Resources)
HB 4345: Relating to the preservation of missing persons records and evidence (Judiciary)

HB 4352: Prohibiting cameras and recording devices in bedrooms and bathrooms of foster children (Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
HB 4354: Relating to necessity allowance (Health and Human Resources then Finance)
HB 4364: Relating to concurrent juvenile jurisdiction on military installations (Military then Judiciary)
HB 4366: Relating to military interpersonal violence (Military then Judiciary)
HB 4382: Require collection agencies to provide 30 days notice prior to wage garnishments (Judiciary)

HB 4393: Requiring the development and implementation of statewide prevention plan (Finance)
HB 4410: Relating to special stops required for on-track equipment (Transportation and Infrastructure then Judiciary)
HB 4412: Require certain websites to utilize age verification methods to prevent minors from accessing content (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4415: Creating crime of attempting to smuggle contraband into federal correctional institutions within the state (Judiciary)

HB 4422: To permit students in eighth and ninth grade to attend summer school in order to raise their grades and establish academic eligibility to play sports in the fall (Education)
HB 4433: Prohibiting Human Smuggling and Trafficking (S First Reading, 02-16)
HB 4437: To allow Gold Star parents to receive one free Gold Star vehicle registration for personal use (Transportation and Infrastructure)

HB 4456: Relating to clarification of a law enforcement agency and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and personnel of states bordering this state (Judiciary)
HB 4461: Establishing limitations on billing practices of Internet or telecommunications providers that fail to provide subscribed customers service for five or more days (Energy, Industry and Mining then Government Organization)
HB 4462: Prohibition on cell-cultured products (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4466: Extend the public intoxication of alcohol code to include being under the impairment of narcotics in public (Judiciary)

HB 4468: Relating to confidentiality of court files and law-enforcement records (Judiciary)
HB 4474: Extending the Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia Advisory Council sunset date (S Second Reading, 02-16)

HB 4484: To expand each county commission’s ability to sell or lease property (Government Organization)
HB 4501: Relating to Dietitian Licensure Compact (Government Organization)
HB 4522: Banning Foreign backed spending on State Ballot Issues (Workforce then Judiciary)

HB 4552: Relating to the law-enforcement powers of correctional officers (Judiciary)
HB 4561: Clarifying the sheriff’s authority to hire within their office (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4570: To make the posting of a summons in a conspicuous place on rental property acceptable service when a tenant is unavailable for personal service (Judiciary)

HB 4574: Relating to providing for condition-based emergency funding for a financially distressed county (Education then Finance)
HB 4575: Making Supplemental Appropriation to State Board of Education (Finance)

HB 4600: Require all ballots for primary and general elections be received not later than the close of the polls on election day (Judiciary)
HB 4602: Relating to requiring the Department of Human Services to establish a pilot program to contract for supplemental caseworker aide services for the Bureau for Social Services (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4606: Relating to the meaning of residence for the purpose of bail (Judiciary)

HB 4610: Safeguard the Right-To-Try Cutting-Edge Medicine Act (Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
HB 4625: Relating to quit claim deeds (Judiciary)
HB 4626: Relating to the establishment of a grant program to fund the United States Food and Drug Administration’s drug development trials with ibogaine (Health and Human Resources then Finance)

HB 4629: Relating to medical cessation treatment and research (Health and Human Resources)
HB 4695: To double the criminal penalty for anyone found guilty of sexual assault on a minor (Judiciary)
HB 4696: Authorize the Department of Environmental Protection to deposit funds granted pursuant to federal programs (Energy, Industry and Mining)
HB 4725: Clarifying the disposition of animal subject to animal cruelty treatment (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4740: Statutory Commitments in Rural Health Transformation Program (Government Organization)
HB 4749: Relating to adding requirements to the foster child bill of rights (Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
HB 4755: Adding Aggravated Vehicular Homicide to the list of qualifying offenses (Judiciary)
HB 4767: Relating to requiring the Bureau for Medical Services to file a legislative rule (Judiciary)
HB 4801: Defining Permissible expenditures for municipalities and counties (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4951: Requiring MDs and DOs to complete continuing education (Health and Human Resources)

HB 4982: Make West Virginia Healthy Act of 2026 (Health and Human Resources)
HB 4893: Increase the penalties for contempt of court in a magistrate court (Judiciary)
HB 5022: Relating to expanding the programs to be included in the annual capitation rate review (Health and Human Resources then Finance)
Committee times and agendas are subject to change. Follow @WVSenClerk on Twitter for updates.All Senate Committee meetings and floor sessions are available for both live streaming and to watch again in our archives. The link to the Senate’s archived video page can be found here:http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00289/Harmony/en/View/UpcomingEvents.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Member Press Release

This Week in the House of Delegates

February 14, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

For the week ending Feb. 13, 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the House of Delegates finished the week by voting to leverage a tax credit that would bring in private investment for small West Virginia businesses, and the bill is in line to be the first completed legislation of the session.

Delegates Passed Senate Bill 1, the West Virginia First Small Business Growth Act, Feb. 13 after having amended most of the provisions of its counterpart, House Bill 4003, into the measure the previous day. The bill would offer a limited tax credit against the West Virginia Insurance Premium Tax to financial institutions that invest in state-certified growth funds. Only businesses principally operating in West Virginia with fewer than 250 employees at the time of their application with at least 60% of their workforce in the state would be eligible to receive the funds, with the West Virginia Department of Commerce overseeing the program.

“As someone who grew up in a family that owned their own small business that paid for my education and everything else I needed, this is a bill that I just take a lot of personal pride in,” said Judiciary Committee Chairman J.B. Akers, R-Kanawha, the lead sponsor of House Bill 4003, in presenting the West Virginia First Small Business Growth Act on the floor before the vote. “This bill is focused on existing West Virginia businesses. This is a promise that we have made that we’re going to start focusing as much of our attention as possible on existing West Virginia businesses, and this bill provides them with the capitalization they need to grow.”

Akers said it would mirror a federal program already successfully operating in 18 other states, including Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

“We’ve got private investors providing private capital to private companies,” he said. “The government is not involved in this other than … as a safeguard and guardrails.”

House Majority Whip Marty Gearheart, R-Mercer, who also serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Revenue, spoke about the bill ahead of the vote as well.

“I don’t mind telling you that high finance is not necessarily my specialty, and when I looked at this bill it made my eyes spin just a little bit because there’s a lot of detail here and there, but the reality is the impetus of this bill is pretty simple,” Gearheart said. “It makes a pool of capital available to West Virginia businesses that currently cannot access that kind of capital.

“Businesses that are successful that have the opportunity to grow and become even more successful and to expand what we do here now can have access to the dollars in order to do that by means of this bill, and it really is that simple.”

Finance Committee Chairman Vernon Criss, R-Wood, spoke before the vote to explain how being in a border county gives him the perspective that forms his urgency for this initiative.

“We see a lot of this activity,” he said. “I look around the room to Mason County and Cabell County and Jackson County; we see it all the time, we’re competing for those people that live in our valley to locate their businesses on one side of the river or the other.

“Finally — finally — in the financial structure of our state, we’re going to have the opportunity to help small businesses.”

The bill passed by a vote of 87 to 3 and returns to the Senate for its review. If the Senate approves, the bill will be the first completed legislation of the 2026 regular session and will go to the governor for action.

Also this week, the House unanimously approved: House Bill 4011, which would allow expanded material recycling; House Bill 4749, which was written and presented to the Legislature by a teenager who is in foster care, and would expand the Foster Child Bill of Rights; and House Bill 4089, which would require insurance coverage for scalp cooling systems that preserve of hair during chemotherapy treatment, also known as Jessica Huffman’s Law.

The last day to introduce bills is Feb. 17, and 69 House bills have passed the House. The 60-day, regular legislative session ends at midnight March 14.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323