Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Monday, February 2, 2026

February 1, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

Monday, February 2, 2026 – 20th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

SR 14: Recognizing James and Lucille Pennington on receiving the 2025 West Virginia Logger of the Year award
SR 20: Recognizing and honoring victims of Agent Orange exposure during Vietnam War
SR 23: Designating February 2, 2026, as Future Farmers of America Day
SR 24: Congratulating Jeff and Jim Kochenderfer as WV Outstanding Tree Farmers of Year

THIRD READING

Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 61: Prohibiting acceptance of illegal ballots cast in any election
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 167: Relating to meetings for local levying bodies
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 233: Clarifying qualifications to be licensed to administer polygraphs
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 374: Authorizing Department of Commerce to promulgate legislative rules
Eng. SB 403: Relating to expanding definition of “tourism attraction” (original similar to HB 4015)
Eng. SB 427: Relating to loan form
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 506: Permitting certain use of county-owned wireless tower (original similar to HB 4624)

SECOND READING

Com. Sub. for SB 256: Authorizing DEP to promulgate legislative rules
SB 536: Relating to qualifications for serving on certain academic boards
SB 556: Modifying priority of insurance coverage for drivers of certain vehicles to make consistent with federal law – (Com. title amend. pending) (original similar to HB 4877)
Com. Sub. for SB 573: Relating to requirements for disclosures and recordkeeping by persons making mortgage loans (original similar to HB 4792)
SB 574: Relating to bank merger by interstate branching
SB 581: Eliminating requirement that commissioner approve joint account forms used by banking institutions (original similar to HB 4791)
SB 582: Relating to requirements for licensure as mortgage lender or broker (original similar to HB 4790)

FIRST READING

SB 155: Relating to adjunct teaching permits
Com. Sub. for SB 210: Modifying oversight provisions for Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability
Com. Sub. for SB 532: Relating to certified public accountants

Scheduled Committee Meetings

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

Com. Sub. for SB 467: Allowing enforcement of Purple Heart parking spaces taken by non-Purple Heart recipients
Com. Sub. for SB 620: Exempting certain physicians from specified traffic laws when responding to emergencies

1 p.m.: Workforce (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 490: Approving short-term training programs for eligibility for federal Workforce Pell Grants

2 p.m.: Pensions (451M)

Presentation: Blair Taylor, Executive Director, Municipal Pensions Oversight Board.
Presentation: Craig Slaughter, Executive Director, West Virginia Investment Management Board

2 p.m.: Energy (208W)

SB 586: Modifying requirements for public water systems
Com. Sub. for SB 48: Relating to powers and duties of PSC
SB 685: Creating Natural Resources Anti-Commandeering Act.
Com. Sub. for SB 686: Providing exception to waste and trespass for certain coal estates

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

SB 1: Small Business Growth Act
SB 622: Extending mine safety technology tax credit
Budget Presentation: West Virginia Department of Health
Budget Presentation: West Virginia National Guard

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

SB 543: Requiring Bureau for Social Services to file legislative rule
SB 440: Increasing penalty for transporting telecommunication devices into jails
SB 615: Requiring persons with illegal immigration status to be turned over to ICE

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Monday, February 2, 2026

SB 696: Permitting women’s wrestling in public high schools (Hamilton, Deeds, Weld; Education)
SB 697: Relating to Access Management and Entrances to State Highways (FN) (Hamilton, Deeds; Agriculture then Finance)
SB 698: Defining what constitutes adulteration of food or drugs (Rucker; Health and Human Resources)
SB 699: Exempting common carriers and contract carriers of solid waste (FN) (Rucker; Transportation and Infrastructure then Finance)
SB 700: Allowing city attorneys and municipal court clerks to file judgement liens (Morris; Judiciary)
SB 701: Relating to authority of sheriff’s commission for collection of taxes (FN) (Tarr, Rose; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 702: Setting new maximum annual interest rate for regulated consumer lenders on certain loans (FN) (Azinger; Banking and Insurance then Finance)
SB 703: Adopting Social Work Licensure Compact (Woodrum; Government Organization)
SB 704: Prohibiting certain compensation for advising or assisting with veterans benefits (Oliverio; Military)
SB 705: Creating offense of theft by conversion (Weld; Judiciary)
SB 706: Modifying severance tax on newly drilled oil and natural gas wells (Jeffries; Energy, Industry and Mining then Finance)
SB 707: Relating to crimes involving abuse or desecration of human remains (Woodrum, Barnhart, Deeds, Weld; Judiciary)
SB 708: Creating WV River Access and Bridge Modernization Act (Woodrum, Hart; Natural Resources then Judiciary)
SB 709: Relating to collection of special emergency ambulance service fee by county commission (FN) (Morris; Judiciary then Finance)
SB 710: Eliminating double taxation on foreign income at state level (FN) (Morris; Finance)
SB 711: Prohibiting discharge of concentrated highway runoff onto private property (Morris; Transportation and Infrastructure then Judiciary)
SB 712: Allowing installation of cattle guards on certain public roads (Morris; Agriculture)
SB 713: Providing 10 percent raise for all public school staff (FN) (Chapman; Education then Finance)
SB 714: Relating generally to Board of Veterinarians (FN) (Rucker; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 715: Requiring WV State agencies give extra consideration to hiring disabled law-enforcement officers (Willis; Judiciary)
SR 25: Designating February 3, 2026, as Marshall University Day (Woelfel)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Friday, January 30, 2026 (15)

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 55: Establishing criminal offense for obstructing or hindering home incarceration supervisor or social services worker (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 207: Clarifying sheriff’s compensation for collection of taxes (House Judiciary)
SB 208: Exempting certain military records from public release (Pending House introduction)

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 388: Requiring public elementary or secondary school make Aitken Bible available to certain classrooms (House Education then House Judiciary)
SB 390: Altering conditions for flood resiliency disbursements (House Government Organization then House Finance)
SB 400: Updating personal income tax definitions and provision of law relating to gaming and gambling losses (House Finance)
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)

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Friday, January 30, 2026 (2 – 1 Senate; 1 House)

SCR 1: Requesting DOH name certain transportation infrastructure (Adopted, 1-29)
HCR 3: House Infrastructure Naming Resolution (Adopted, 01-29)

Action on House Bills in the Senate as of Friday, January 30, 2026 (24)

HB 4002: Establishing the West Virginia Collaboratory (Education)
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 4022: CPS Allocation (Health and Human Resources)
HB 4028: Relating to sales tax on construction materials (Finance)
HB 4081: To create the Higher Education Health and Aid Grant (Education then Finance)
HB 4169: Relating to mental health examination requirements (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 4215: Department of Health Rules Bundle (Judiciary)
HB 4335: Relating to Medicaid providers (Health and Human Resources)
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 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 4415: Creating crime of attempting to smuggle contraband into federal correctional institutions within the state (Pending Senate introduction)

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 (Judiciary)
HB 4437: To allow Gold Star parents to receive one free Gold Star vehicle registration for personal use (Transportation and Infrastructure)

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 4610: Safeguard the Right-To-Try Cutting-Edge Medicine Act (Health and Human Resources then 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)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Friday, January 30, 2026 (3)

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)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Friday, January 30, 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

January 30, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

For the week ending Jan. 30, 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Several bills passed the full House of Delegates this week by unanimous votes for a total of 24 House bills sent to the West Virginia Senate for its consideration.

House Bill 4028, which would exempt building materials and construction work from state or municipal sales and use tax used for the construction, repair or maintenance of a public school facility, passed the full House unanimously Jan. 28, and has the potential to allow as much as 15% more spending on public education facilities.

School Building Authority Executive Director Andy Neptune addressed the House Finance Committee last week when this bill was in the hearing stage and described it as a win for his agency, for contractors and for counties.

“We believe this is going to increase the purchasing power,” he said, noting the 6% sales tax plus 1% in supplies savings would give the SBA “more bang for our buck” and helps counties stretch their bond dollars for projects as well.

“We can redirect the millions we would be saving off of that back to us to be able to go with other projects,” Neptune said. “For example, so many times counties will come to us for roofing projects that also involve HVAC projects, and the cost is just too much to be able to help with as much need as we have across the state; this would allow us to be able to look further into those counties and be able to say, ‘well, we’ll tie together HVAC projects with the roof,’ which realistically should be done when you think about this … .”

The Skills to Work Act, House Bill 4005, passed the full House Jan. 27. It would align work requirements to U.S. Labor standards, which expands apprenticeship opportunities for 16- to 18-year-olds, allowing them safe, supervised, hands-on training for an in-demand economic environment.

“This is about being able to bridge a gap,” said Delegate Ryan Browning, R-Wayne, the lead sponsor of the bill. “Too many of our high school seniors graduate and feel like they have to leave the state to find a good job, but this bill establishes a direct connection between education and employment by creating structured, supervised apprenticeship programs that lead directly to job opportunities.

“Students gain hands-on experience while employers continue refilling our local talent pipeline.”

House Bill 4002, which would establish the West Virginia Collaboratory, also passed the House Jan. 27. The initiative would facilitate public policy research projects through the state’s research institutions of higher learning and distribute the expertise to be utilized by state and local governments in their work.

Two more measures that passed unanimously Jan. 29 were House Bill 4626, which would form a grant program to allow U.S. Food and Drug Administration trials with the controlled substance ibogaine for the treatment of opioid use disorder, substance use disorder and any other neurological or mental health conditions, and House Bill 4610, which would ensure the state’s current law to allow “right-to-try” cutting age medicine for terminally ill patients would extend to patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses as well.

House Bill 4437 also passed unanimously Jan. 29, and it would allow Gold Star parents to receive one vehicle registration free of cost.

“Gold Star parents have lost a son or daughter in service to the nation, serving to protect and defend your freedom and safety at home and abroad,” said Delegate Charles Sheedy, R-Marshall. “The ability to display a Gold Star license plate on their vehicle denotes them having lost a son or daughter and should call up our respect to recognize their sacrifice. To receive a free plate shows that the people of West Virginia are grateful for their sacrifice.”

The last day to introduce bills is Feb. 17, and 1,012 bills have been introduced in the House. 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 Friday, January 30, 2026

January 29, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

Friday, January 30, 2026 – 17th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

SR 14: Recognizing James and Lucille Pennington on receiving the 2025 West Virginia Logger of the Year award
SR 20: Recognizing and honoring victims of Agent Orange exposure during Vietnam War

THIRD READING

Eng. SB 208: Exempting certain military records from public release

SECOND READING

Com. Sub. for SB 61: Prohibiting acceptance of illegal ballots cast in any election
Com. Sub. for SB 167: Relating to meetings for local levying bodies
Com. Sub. for SB 233: Clarifying qualifications to be licensed to administer polygraphs
Com. Sub. for SB 374: Authorizing Department of Commerce to promulgate legislative rules
SB 403: Relating to expanding definition of “tourism attraction” (original similar to HB 4015)
SB 427: Relating to loan form
Com. Sub. for SB 506: Permitting certain use of county-owned wireless tower (original similar to HB 4624)

FIRST READING

Com. Sub. for SB 256: Authorizing DEP to promulgate legislative rules
SB 536: Relating to qualifications for serving on certain academic boards
SB 556: Modifying priority of insurance coverage for drivers of certain vehicles to make consistent with federal law: (Com. title amend. pending) (original similar to HB 4877)
Com. Sub. for SB 573: Relating to requirements for disclosures and recordkeeping by persons making mortgage loans (original similar to HB 4792)
SB 574: Relating to bank merger by interstate branching
SB 581: Eliminating requirement that commissioner approve joint account forms used by banking institutions (original similar to HB 4791)
SB 582: Relating to requirements for licensure as mortgage lender or broker (original similar to HB 4790)

Scheduled Committee Meetings

9 a.m.: Finance (451M)

Budget Presentation: West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Friday, January 30, 2026

A list of bills to be introduced in the Senate on Friday, January 30, 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 Thursday, January 29, 2026

9:30 a.m.: Education

SB 155: Relating to adjunct teaching permits
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 196: Relating generally to liability insurance coverage for board of education
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 11: Allowing certain Teachers Retirement System members to exchange unused leave for monetary compensation
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 516: Increasing state minimum salary for teachers
Committee took no action on the bill

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization

Com. Sub. for SB 532: Relating to certified public accountants
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

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

SB 580: Updating practice act for WV Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

12:30 p.m.: Economic Development

SB 607: Relating to federally approved project delivery methods for airport capital improvement projects
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Government Organization

Com. Sub. forSB 627: Replacing Build WV Act project cost with cap on new tax credit liability
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

1:30 p.m.: Energy, Industry and Mining

Com. Sub. for SB 20: Stable Energy Rates Protection Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Government Organization

Com. Sub. for SB 25: Establishing WV Coal Marketing Program
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 131: Creating credit against severance tax for certain infrastructure improvements
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 424: Establishing Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

3 p.m.: Judiciary

Com. Sub. for SB 210: Requiring departments to prepare performance plans and performance reports for Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 543: Requiring Bureau for Social Services to file legislative rule
Bill laid over until Monday’s meeting

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

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Thursday, January 29, 2026 (14)

SB 4: Relating to crimes against public justice (Pending House introduction)
SB 15: Protecting coal and gas minerals from carbon capture practices (House Energy and Public Works)
SB 55: Establishing criminal offense for obstructing or hindering home incarceration supervisor or social services worker (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 (Pending House introduction)
SB 137: Modifying parole eligibility for crime of second degree murder and voluntary manslaughter (House Judiciary)
SB 207: Clarifying sheriff’s compensation for collection of taxes (House Judiciary)

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 388: Requiring public elementary or secondary school make Aitken Bible available to certain classrooms (Pending House introduction)
SB 390: Altering conditions for flood resiliency disbursements (Pending House introduction)
SB 400: Updating personal income tax definitions and provision of law relating to gaming and gambling losses (Pending House introduction)
SB 443: Granting municipal fire marshals authority to assist in lawful execution of law-enforcement officer’s official duties (Pending House introduction)
SB 445: Adding Potomac State College as eligible institution for participation in Learn and Earn Program (Pending House introduction)

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Thursday, January 29, 2026 (2 – 1 Senate; 1 House)

SCR 1: Requesting DOH name certain transportation infrastructure (Adopted, 1-29)
HCR 3: House Infrastructure Naming Resolution (Adopted, 01-29)

Action on House Bills in the Senate as of Thursday, January 29, 2026 (23)

HB 4002: Establishing the West Virginia Collaboratory (Education)
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 4022: CPS Allocation (Health and Human Resources)
HB 4028: Relating to sales tax on construction materials (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4081: To create the Higher Education Health and Aid Grant (Education then Finance)
HB 4169: Relating to mental health examination requirements (Pending Senate introduction)
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 4215: Department of Health Rules Bundle (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4335: Relating to Medicaid providers (Health and Human Resources)
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 (Pending Senate introduction)

HB 4393: Requiring the development and implementation of statewide prevention plan (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4410: Relating to special stops required for on-track equipment (Pending Senate introduction)

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 (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4433: Prohibiting Human Smuggling and Trafficking (Judiciary)
HB 4437: To allow Gold Star parents to receive one free Gold Star vehicle registration for personal use (Pending Senate introduction)

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 4610: Safeguard the Right-To-Try Cutting-Edge Medicine Act (Pending Senate introduction)
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 (Pending Senate introduction)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Thursday, January 29, 2026 (3)

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)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Thursday, January 29, 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

Toney to Serve as Education Vice Chairman

January 28, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Delegate Christopher Toney, R-Raleigh, recently was appointed Vice Chairman of the West Virginia House of Delegates Standing Committee on Education, a leadership role of significant consequence.

“Education serves as the true foundation of our workforce readiness, and I see the challenges our rural districts face as someone who has worked in our schools,” Toney said. “Our goal must be to ensure students graduate with the skills they need to succeed, whether that means entering the workforce, pursuing technical training or continuing their education.”

Before serving in the House of Delegates, Toney built his career in education from the ground up. He began as a school custodian, later serving as a paraprofessional aide and a bus operator, and ultimately advancing to Director. This unique background gives him a practical understanding of the daily realities facing students, educators and school service personnel — particularly in rural communities.

As Vice Chairman, Toney will prioritize policies that strengthen workforce readiness, expand career and technical education opportunities and address the unique needs of rural schools throughout West Virginia. He also will play a key role in ongoing discussions surrounding improvements to the state’s school aid funding formula, with a focus on fairness, transparency and ensuring resources reach the students and communities that need them most.

“If we want West Virginia to grow, we must invest wisely in our students and our schools, especially in rural areas that are the backbone of our state,” Toney said. “Our students, their families and our employees deserve to see those resources in the classroom, and our taxpayers deserve to see those resources back home.”

Toney first was elected in 2018. He and his wife Molly live in Beckley.

Contact: Vice Chairman Christopher Toney, R-Raleigh 304-340-3265

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Thursday, January 29, 2026

January 28, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

Thursday, January 29, 2026 – 16th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

SR 14: Recognizing James and Lucille Pennington on receiving the 2025 West Virginia Logger of the Year award
SR 20: Recognizing and honoring victims of Agent Orange exposure during Vietnam War
SR 21: Designating January 29, 2026, as Jan Lilly-Stewart Disability Advocacy Day at Capitol
SR 22: Designating October 14 as “Charlie Kirk Day” in WV

THIRD READING

Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 4: Relating to crimes against public justice
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 84: Prohibiting law enforcement from placing surveillance cameras on private property
Eng. SB 388: Requiring public elementary or secondary school make Aitken Bible available to certain classrooms
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 390: Altering conditions for flood resiliency disbursements (original similar to HB 4018)
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 400: Updating personal income tax definitions and provision of law relating to gaming and gambling losses (original similar to HB 4024)
Eng. SB 443: Granting municipal fire marshals authority to assist in lawful execution of law-enforcement officer’s official duties
Eng. SB 445: Adding Potomac State College as eligible institution for participation in Learn and Earn Program (original similar to HB 4533)

SECOND READING

SB 208: Exempting certain military records from public release

FIRST READING

Com. Sub. for SB 61: Prohibiting acceptance of illegal ballots cast in any election
Com. Sub. for SB 167: Relating to meetings for local levying bodies
Com. Sub. for SB 233: Clarifying qualifications to be licensed to administer polygraphs
Com. Sub. for SB 374: Authorizing Department of Commerce to promulgate legislative rules
SB 403: Relating to expanding definition of “tourism attraction” (original similar to HB 4015)
SB 427: Relating to loan form
Com. Sub. for SB 506: Permitting certain use of county-owned wireless tower (original similar to HB 4624)

Scheduled Committee Meetings

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

SB 155: Relating to adjunct teaching permits
SB 196: Relating generally to liability insurance coverage for board of education
SB 11: Allowing certain Teachers Retirement System members to exchange unused leave for monetary compensation
SB 516: Increasing state minimum salary for teachers

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

Com. Sub. for SB 532: Relating to certified public accountants
Com. Sub. for SB 493: Relating to open captioning for motion pictures
SB 580: Updating practice act for WV Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board

12:30 p.m.: Energy, Industry and Mining (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 20: Stable Energy Rates Protection Act
Com. Sub. for SB 25: Establishing WV Coal Marketing Program
Com. Sub. for SB 131: Creating credit against severance tax for certain infrastructure improvements
Com. Sub. for SB 424: Establishing Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026

1:30 p.m.: Economic Development (208W)

SB 607: Relating to federally approved project delivery methods for airport capital improvement projects
SB 627: Replacing Build WV Act project cost with cap on new tax credit liability

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

Budget Presentation: West Virginia Parkways Authority
Budget Presentation: West Virginia Department of Transportation

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

SB 210: Requiring departments to prepare performance plans and performance reports for Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability
SB 543: Requiring Bureau for Social Services to file legislative rule
SB 617: Banking and Financial Services Provider Protections for Eligible Adults from Financial Exploitation

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Thursday, January 29, 2026

SB 654: Establishing salon training program (Rucker; Government Organization)
SB 655: Establishing Right to Race Act (M. Maynard; Judiciary)
SB 656: Relating to ethics reforms at PSC (Garcia; Judiciary)
SB 657: Creating Cohen Craddock Student Athlete Safety Act (FN) (Grady; Judiciary then Finance)
SB 658: Relating to certified microgrid district projects and certified high impact data center projects (Garcia; Economic Development)
SB 659: Prohibiting certain restrictions on regulation of accessory dwelling units (Rucker; Government Organization)
SB 660: Relating to spousal coverage under PEIA (Oliverio, Clements, Hamilton, Rose, Takubo; Banking and Insurance then Finance)
SB 661: Clarifying commercial real property insurance policies (Oliverio, Clements, Takubo; Banking and Insurance)
SB 662: Relating to colorectal cancer prevention (Oliverio, Charnock, Clements, Garcia, Queen, Rose, Takubo, Taylor; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 663: Allowing parents to refuse family court-ordered medical procedure of child against parents’ wishes (Chapman; Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
SB 664: Allowing power of attorney or conservator to sign transfer on death deed (Chapman; Judiciary)
SB 665: Protecting environment and humans from geoengineering and weather modification experiments (Hamilton; Natural Resources)
SB 666: Determining liability for exposure to asbestos or silica (Helton, Rose, Tarr; Judiciary)
SB 667: Relating to settlement definitions for real estate transactions (Morris; Judiciary)
SB 668: Providing compensation to victims of abusive lawsuits (Phillips; Judiciary)
SB 669: Relating to general powers of PSC (Thorne; Economic Development then Judiciary)
SB 670: Adopting Uniform Protected Series Act (Martin; Judiciary)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Wednesday, January 28, 2026

1 p.m.: Select Committee on School Choice

SB 170: Allowing career technical education program to be part of local high school
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 536: Relating to qualifications for serving on certain academic boards
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 216: Restoring Private Schools Act of 2026
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

2 p.m.: Banking and Insurance

Com. Sub. for SB 573: Relating to requirements for disclosures and recordkeeping
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 574: Relating to bank merger by interstate branching
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 581: Eliminating requirement that commissioner approve joint account forms used by banking institutions
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 582: Relating to requirements for licensure as mortgage lender or broker
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

2 p.m.: Agriculture

Com. Sub. for SB 226: Relating to WV Commercial Feed Law
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

3 p.m.: Finance

SB 556: Modifying priority of insurance coverage for drivers of certain vehicles to make consistent with federal law
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Judiciary

Com. Sub. for SB 256: DEP rule relating to alternative emission limitations during startup and shutdown operations – Includes 45 CSR 01, Alternative Emission Limitations During Startup and Shutdown; 45 CRS 08, Ambient Air Quality Standards; 45 CRS 16, Standards Performance for New Stationary Sources; 45 CRS 18, Control of Air Pollution from Combustion of Solid Waste; 45 CRS 25, Control of Air Pollution from Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities; 45 CRS 34, Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants; 45 CRS 43, Cross-State Air Pollution Rule to Control Annual Nitrogen Oxides Emissions, Annual Sulfur Dioxide Emissions, and Ozone Season Nitrogen Oxides Emissions; 33 CSR 20, Hazardous Waste Management System; 47 CSR 02, Requirements Governing Water Quality Standards; 47 CSR 09B, Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Fee Schedule
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Wednesday, January 28, 2026 (7)

SB 15: Protecting coal and gas minerals from carbon capture practices (House Energy and Public Works)
SB 55: Establishing criminal offense for obstructing or hindering home incarceration supervisor or social services worker (Pending House introduction)
SB 66: Modifying classes of state of preparedness declared by Governor or Legislature (House Government Organization)
SB 137: Modifying parole eligibility for crime of second degree murder and voluntary manslaughter (House Judiciary)
SB 207: Clarifying sheriff’s compensation for collection of taxes (House Judiciary)

SB 281: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules (Pending House introduction)
SB 309: Authorizing DOT to promulgate legislative rules (Pending House introduction)

Resolutions that Have Been Adopted by the Senate as of Wednesday, January 28, 2026 (1)

SCR 1: Requesting DOH name certain transportation infrastructure (Pending House introduction)

Action on House Bills in the Senate as of Wednesday, January 28, 2026 (18)

HB 4002: Establishing the West Virginia Collaboratory (Education)
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 4022: CPS Allocation (Health and Human Resources)
HB 4028: Relating to sales tax on construction materials (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4081: To create the Higher Education Health and Aid Grant (Education then Finance)
HB 4169: Relating to mental health examination requirements (Pending Senate introduction)
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 4215: Department of Health Rules Bundle (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4335: Relating to Medicaid providers (Health and Human Resources)
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 (Pending Senate introduction)
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 (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4433: Prohibiting Human Smuggling and Trafficking (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)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Wednesday, January 28, 2026 (3)

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 (Pending Senate introduction)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Wednesday, January 28, 2026 (2 – 2 House)

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)

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

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Member Press Release

Speaker Hanshaw Adds Ellington to Senior Leadership

January 27, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Long-time West Virginia House of Delegates leader Joe Ellington, R-Mercer, was elevated this week to the position of Deputy Speaker, a post shared by House Speaker Pro Tempore Matthew Rohrbach, R-Cabell.

“Our education team didn’t use the previous session adjournment as a reason to stop working on solutions to the major issues we know our communities across the state are facing, so we didn’t want to disrupt that work going into this session, but it became clear right away that our Committee will keep working hard on their efforts to improve education,” Ellington said. “Speaker Hanshaw had been looking for someone to put in the second Deputy Speaker position after the resignation of now-Secretary Kelly, and I’m honored to serve in that lineup.”

Ellington, first elected to the House in 2010, served as the Health and Human Resources Committee Chairman for the 82nd, 83rd and 84th Legislatures. He has been Chairman of the Education Committee since the 84th Legislature.

“Dr. Ellington is a long-respected member of this body, and his dedication to bettering the education West Virginia children receive is to be commended,” said House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay. “Many of us have leaned on him for his counsel, but now in this new role we will be relying on him for even more input and counsel in a wider area of policy.”

Delegate Joe Statler, R-Monongalia, who previously served as Education Committee Vice Chairman will serve as Committee Chairman going forward. Delegate Chris Toney, R-Raleigh, will serve as Education Committee Vice Chairman.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

Member Press Release

Senate Calendar and Committee Schedule for Wednesday, January 28, 2026

January 27, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 – 15th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

SR 14: Recognizing James and Lucille Pennington on receiving the 2025 West Virginia Logger of the Year award
SR 15: Recognizing 154th anniversary of Glennville State University

THIRD READING

Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 55: Establishing criminal offense for obstructing or hindering home incarceration supervisor or social services worker
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 281: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 309: Authorizing DOT to promulgate legislative rules

SECOND READING

Com. Sub. for SB 4: Relating to crimes against public justice
Com. Sub. for SB 84: Prohibiting law enforcement from placing surveillance cameras on private property
SB 388: Requiring public elementary or secondary school make Aitken Bible available to certain classrooms
Com. Sub. for SB 390: Altering conditions for flood resiliency disbursements (original similar to HB 4018)
Com. Sub. for SB 400: Updating personal income tax definitions and provision of law relating to gaming and gambling losses (original similar to HB 4024)
SB 443: Granting municipal fire marshals authority to assist in lawful execution of law-enforcement officer’s official duties
SB 445: Adding Potomac State College as eligible institution for participation in Learn and Earn Program (original similar to HB 4533)

FIRST READING

SB 208: Exempting certain military records from public release

Scheduled Committee Meetings

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

SB 170: Allowing career technical education program to be part of local high school
SB 536: Relating to qualifications for serving on certain academic boards
SB 216: Restoring Private Schools Act of 2026

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

Com. Sub. for SB 573: Relating to requirements for disclosures and recordkeeping
SB 574: Relating to bank merger by interstate branching
SB 581: Eliminating requirement that commissioner approve joint account forms used by banking institutions
SB 582: Relating to requirements for licensure as mortgage lender or broker

2 p.m.: Agriculture (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 226: Relating to WV Commercial Feed Law

3 p.m.: Finance (451M)

Budget Presentation: West Virginia Department of Administration
Budget Presentation: West Virginia Department of Education
Budget Presentation: West Virginia Office of the Inspector General

3 p.m.: Judiciary (208W)

Com. Sub. for SB 256: DEP rule relating to alternative emission limitations during startup and shutdown operations
Includes 45 CSR 01, Alternative Emission Limitations During Startup and Shutdown; 45 CRS 08, Ambient Air Quality Standards; 45 CRS 16, Standards Performance for New Stationary Sources; 45 CRS 18, Control of Air Pollution from Combustion of Solid Waste; 45 CRS 25, Control of Air Pollution from Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities; 45 CRS 34, Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants; 45 CRS 43, Cross-State Air Pollution Rule to Control Annual Nitrogen Oxides Emissions, Annual Sulfur Dioxide Emissions, and Ozone Season Nitrogen Oxides Emissions; 33 CSR 20, Hazardous Waste Management System; 47 CSR 02, Requirements Governing Water Quality Standards; 47 CSR 09B, Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Fee Schedule

5:30 p.m.: Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee (208W)

145 CSR 20: Economic Development, Certified Microgrid Development Program

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Wednesday, January 28, 2026

SB 635: Creating Mountain Bike Responsibility Act (Willis, Helton, M. Maynard; Judiciary)
SB 636: Allowing intergovernmental agreements with Land Stewardship Corporation (Woodrum; Judiciary)
SB 637: Establishing tax credit for certain physicians who locate to practice in WV (FN) (Takubo; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 638: Creating Forensic Pathology Recruitment Program (Takubo; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 639: Levying user fee on cigarettes to support EMS (FN) (Takubo; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 640: Prohibiting release of certain personal information of contributors to political elections (Azinger, Charnock, Helton, Z. Maynard; Judiciary)
SB 641: Altering definition of “aboveground storage tank” (Rose, Helton, Rucker, Tarr; Energy, Industry, and Mining)
SB 642: Clarifying requirements before assessor can be nominated for property valuation (Woodrum; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 643: Discontinuing WV Supreme Court of Appeals Public Campaign Financing Program (Charnock, Chapman, Takubo, Tarr, Weld; Judiciary)
SB 644: Requiring State Treasurer participate in federal tax credit scholarship program (Rucker; School Choice)
SB 645: Prohibiting surprise billing of ground emergency medical services by nonparticipating providers (Deeds; Health and Human Resources)
SB 646: Relating to WV employer-provided or sponsored child care tax credit program (FN) (Deeds; Economic Development then Finance)
SB 647: Allowing physician assistants to own practice (Takubo; Health and Human Resources)
SB 648: Relating to strategic and critical resources (Morris, Charnock, Hamilton, Helton, Queen, Rose, Rucker, Takubo, Woodrum, Z. Maynard; Judiciary)
SB 649: Requiring coverage of home blood pressure monitoring devices for certain Medicaid recipients (FN) (Grady; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 650: Designating psychiatric hospital that treats exclusively civil and forensic patients (Queen; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 651: Relating to sale of certain properties subject to delinquent tax liens (Smith; Government Organization)
SB 652: Relating to distribution of tax revenues collected from data centers (Garcia; Economic Development then Finance)
SB 653: Placing statue of remembrance in the rotunda (FN) (Sen. Chapman, Rose, Willis; Government Organization then Finance)
SR 19: Designating January 28, 2026, as WV Tourism and History Day at Legislature (Smith)
SR 20: Recognizing and honoring victims of Agent Orange exposure during Vietnam War (Barrett)
SR 21: Designating January 29, 2026, as Jan Lilly-Stewart Disability Advocacy Day at Capitol (Takubo)
SR 22: Designating October 14 as “Charlie Kirk Day” in WV (Rose, Chapman)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Tuesday, January 27, 2026

9:30 a.m.: Education

SB 102: Establishing Summer Feeding for All Program
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

HB 4574: Relating to providing for condition-based emergency funding for a financially distressed county
No action taken on bill

9:30 a.m.: Government Organization

Com. Sub. for SB 167: Relating to meetings for local levying bodies
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 506: Permitting certain use of county-owned wireless tower
Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

12:30 p.m.: Transportation and Infrastructure

Com. Sub. for SCR 1: Requesting DOH name certain transportation infrastructure
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it be adopted

12:30 p.m.: Workforce

Com. Sub. for SB 233: Clarifying qualifications to be licensed to administer polygraphs
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 396: Creating WV Job training and Placement Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 402: Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

1:30 p.m.: Health and Human Resources

SB 543: Requiring Bureau for Social Services to file legislative rule
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

SB 546: Relating to clothing and necessity allowance
Bill, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Finance

SB 403: Relating to expanding definition of “tourism attraction”
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 427: Relating to loan form
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Judiciary

Com. Sub. for SB 61: Prohibiting acceptance of illegal ballots cast in any election
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 374: Division of Economic Development rule relating to tourism development districts — Includes SB 375, Division of Forestry rule relating to rules for certification of managed timberland; SB 376, Division of Labor rule relating to child labor; SB 377, Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training rule relating to submission and approval of comprehensive Mine Safety Program for coal mining operations in WV; SB 378, Division of Natural Resources rule relating to small arms hunting; SB 379, Division of Natural Resources rule relating to wildlife rehabilitation; SB 380, Division of Natural Resources rule relating to special boating; SB 381, Division of Natural Resources rule relating to defining terms used in hunting and trapping; SB 382, Division of Natural Resources rule relating to prohibitions when hunting and trapping; SB 383, Division of Natural Resources rule relating to deer hunting; SB 384, Division of Natural Resources rule relating to special migratory game bird hunting; SB 385, Division of Rehabilitation Services rule relating to Ron Yost Personal Assistance Services Act Board
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Tuesday, January 27, 2026 (4)

SB 15: Protecting coal and gas minerals from carbon capture practices (House Energy and Public Works)
SB 66: Modifying classes of state of preparedness declared by Governor or Legislature (House Government Organization)
SB 137: Modifying parole eligibility for crime of second degree murder and voluntary manslaughter (House Judiciary)
SB 207: Clarifying sheriff’s compensation for collection of taxes (House Judiciary)

Action on House Bills in the Senate as of Tuesday, January 27, 2026 (13)

HB 4002: Establishing the West Virginia Collaboratory (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4005: Skills to work (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4007: Relating to industrial access roads (Economic Development then Finance)
HB 4008: Relating to Business Ready Sites Program (Economic Development)
HB 4022: CPS Allocation (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4081: To create the Higher Education Health and Aid Grant (Education then Finance)
HB 4196: To offer long-acting reversible contraception to patients receiving methadone and suboxone at the treatment facility for the methadone and suboxone (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4335: Relating to Medicaid providers (Health and Human Resources)
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 (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4433: Prohibiting Human Smuggling and Trafficking (Pending Senate introduction)

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)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Tuesday, January 27, 2026 (2)

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)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Tuesday, January 27, 2026 (2 – 2 House)

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)

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, January 26, 2026

January 25, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

Monday, January 26, 2026 – 13th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 2 p.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

SR 14: Recognizing James and Lucille Pennington on receiving the 2025 West Virginia Logger of the Year award

THIRD READING

There are no bills on Third Reading for Monday, January 26, 2026.

SECOND READING

Com. Sub. for SB 55: Establishing criminal offense for obstructing or hindering home incarceration supervisor or social services worker
Com. Sub. for SB 281: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules
Com. Sub. for SB 309: Authorizing DOT to promulgate legislative rules

FIRST READING

Com. Sub. for SB 4: Relating to crimes against public justice
Com. Sub. for SB 84: Prohibiting law enforcement from placing surveillance cameras on private property
SB 388: Requiring public elementary or secondary school make Aitken Bible available to certain classrooms
Com. Sub. for SB 390: Altering conditions for flood resiliency disbursements (original similar to HB 4018)
Com. Sub. for SB 400: Updating personal income tax definitions and provision of law relating to gaming and gambling losses (original similar to HB 4024)
SB 443: Granting municipal fire marshals authority to assist in lawful execution of law-enforcement officer’s official duties
SB 445: Adding Potomac State College as eligible institution for participation in Learn and Earn Program (original similar to HB 4533)

Scheduled Committee Meetings

Because of anticipated weather conditions, all Senate committee meetings scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026, have been canceled.

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Monday, January 26, 2026

A list of bills to be introduced in the Senate on Monday, January 26, 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, January 23, 2026

9:30 a.m.: Military

SB 194: Updating definition of “disabled veteran taxpayer”
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 208: Exempting certain military records from public release
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Bills that Have Passed the Senate as of Friday, January 23, 2026 (4)

SB 15: Protecting coal and gas minerals from carbon capture practices (Pending House introduction)
SB 66: Modifying classes of state of preparedness declared by Governor or Legislature (Pending House introduction)
SB 137: Modifying parole eligibility for crime of second degree murder and voluntary manslaughter (Pending House introduction)
SB 207: Clarifying sheriff’s compensation for collection of taxes (Pending House introduction)

Action on House Bills in the Senate as of Friday, January 23, 2026 (7)

HB 4007: Relating to industrial access roads (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4008: Relating to Business Ready Sites Program (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4081: To create the Higher Education Health and Aid Grant (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4335: Relating to Medicaid providers (Pending Senate introduction)
HB 4352: Prohibiting cameras and recording devices in bedrooms and bathrooms of foster children (Pending Senate introduction)

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)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Friday, January 23, 2026 (2)

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)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Friday, January 23, 2026 (2 – 2 House)

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)

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

January 23, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

For the week ending Jan. 23, 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia House of Delegates finished its first full week of the 60-day regular legislative session with seven House Bills having passed the full Chamber and been sent to the West Virginia Senate for deliberation.

“Nearly all our Delegates told us they wanted to double down on putting West Virginians to work because the best way we can fix so many other problems in our state is to help put as many West Virginians as possible to work in good-paying jobs,” said House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay. “These legislators have been consistent, focused and they have been hard at work having the necessary conversations to move these bills forward.”

Many members of the House took time Wednesday during Trades Day at the Legislature to celebrate the success of the Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Nontraditional Degree (STAND) Program. The program allows those who complete their apprenticeships to apply their on-the-job and classroom training toward college credit. It was created during the 2024 legislative session and funded during the 2025 session. The West Virginia Building and Construction Trades received the national Construction User’s Roundtable Workforce Development Award for the program back in November and shared it with the House of Delegates this week.

“What we’re seeing right now is a lot of young people are going straight into college,” said Delegate Evan Worrell, R-Cabell, a sponsor of the STAND Program. “They’re amassing a large amount of debt and then coming out still trying to find a job with whatever their degree program is.

“We have a slate of bills this year that sends a clear message of what we’re here for, and that’s to support workers, support fair competition, support local jobs and also making sure that we ensure accountability when taxpayer dollars are on the line.”

The full house passed House Bill 4007, related to industrial access roads, Jan. 23, with only a few dissenting votes. The bill would update the 25-year-old program to account for inflation, doubling the amount of money a county or municipality could request within one year for industrial access road construction to help projects get completed faster.

House Bill 4008 also passed the full House Jan. 23. It is another measure aimed at flexibility for communities to cultivate right-sized and responsible economic growth in every corner of the state. The measure would expand the current grants to include 5-acres sites for grants of as much as $75,000 in assistance, 20-acre sites for as much as $100,000 and sites of more than 20 acres may be eligible for as much as $250,000.

The last day to introduce bills is Feb. 17, and 798 bills have been introduced in the House. 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 Friday, January 23, 2026

January 22, 2026
Written by Cheyenne

Friday, January 23, 2026 – 10th Day of Session

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

SR 12: Recognizing January as Human Trafficking Awareness month
SR 13: Designating January 23, 2026, as Dental Hygienists Day at Capitol

THIRD READING

Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 15: Protecting coal and gas minerals from carbon capture practices
Eng. SB 66: Modifying classes of state of preparedness declared by Governor or Legislature
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 137: Modifying parole eligibility for crime of second degree murder and voluntary manslaughter
Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 207: Clarifying sheriff’s compensation for collection of taxes

SECOND READING

There are no bills on Second Reading for Friday, January 23, 2026.

FIRST READING

Com. Sub. for SB 55: Establishing criminal offense for obstructing or hindering home incarceration supervisor or social services worker
Com. Sub. for SB 281: Authorizing Department of Homeland Security to promulgate legislative rules
Com. Sub. for SB 309: Authorizing DOT to promulgate legislative rules

Scheduled Committee Meetings

9:30 a.m.: Military (208W)

SB 194: Updating definition of “disabled veteran taxpayer”
SB 208: Exempting certain military records from public release

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

Senate Bills to be Introduced Friday, January 23, 2026

SB 585: [By Request of the Executive] Increasing annual salaries of certain state employees (Smith, Woelfel; Finance)
SB 586: Modifying requirements for public water systems (Martin; Energy, Industry, and Mining)
SB 587: Adjusting salary schedule for elected county officials (FN) (Clements, Chapman, Charnock, Deeds, Grady, Hamilton, Helton, Phillips, Takubo, Tarr, Thorne; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 588: Limiting payment of taxes by co-owners or other interested parties (Azinger; Judiciary)
SB 589: Removing mandatory registration of recovery residences (Helton; Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
SB 590: Making adult cabaret performance criminal offense in certain circumstances (Azinger; Judiciary)
SB 591: Prohibiting teaching of divisive acts and critical race theory in public schools (Azinger; Education)
SB 592: WV Short Line Railroad Modernization Act (FN) (Thorne, Charnock, Clements, Grady, Helton, Jeffries, Morris, Roberts, Rose, Woodrum; Finance)
SB 593: Designating September 11 as Patriot Day (Chapman; Finance)
SB 594: Creating exemption for disabled veterans from vehicle sales tax (Chapman; Military then Finance)
SB 595: Requiring both parents consent for non-emergency and non-life-threatening procedures on children (Chapman; Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
SB 596: Eliminating transfer taxes for siblings and for LLC solely owned by individual transferor (FN) (Chapman; Finance)
SB 597: Relating to payment of state funds to qualified child care entities (Chapman; Health and Human Resources then Finance)
SB 598: Relating to statues placed in Capitol rotunda (FN) (Azinger; Government Organization then Finance)
SB 599: Prohibiting abortifacients (FN) (Rucker; Health and Human Resources then Judiciary)
SR 14: Recognizing James and Lucille Pennington on receiving the 2025 West Virginia Logger of the Year award (Hamilton, Morris)

* (FN) indicates the bill has a Fiscal Note

* (IB) indicates the bill is an Interim Bill

Committee Action on Bills from Thursday, January 22, 2026

10 a.m.: Education

SB 388: Requiring public elementary or secondary school make Aitken Bible available to certain classrooms
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 445: Adding Potomac State College as eligible institution for participation in Learn and Earn Program
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

10 a.m.: Government Organization

Com. Sub. for SB 390: Enhancing Flood Resiliency Disbursements
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

SB 443: Granting municipal fire marshals authority to assist in lawful execution of law-enforcement officer’s official duties
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 481: Changing term “precinct” to “polling location”
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

SB 146: Uniform Unlawful Restriction in Land Records Act
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Judiciary

1 p.m.: Health and Human Resources

SB 518: Relating to cost-sharing requirements for breast examinations
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 544: Relating to temporary payment to kinship parent of subsidy equal to that of foster parent
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

SB 524: Relating to monthly status meetings of county entities
Bill reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass; second reference to Finance

3 p.m.: Finance

Com. Sub. for SB 400: Relating to updating personal income tax definitions
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

3 p.m.: Judiciary

Com. Sub. for SB 4: Relating to crimes against public justice
Committee substitute, as amended, reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Com. Sub. for SB 84: Prohibiting law enforcement from placing surveillance cameras on private property
Committee substitute reported to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass

Action on House Bills in the Senate as of Thursday, January 22, 2026 (2)

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)

Action on House Resolutions in the Senate as of Thursday, January 22, 2026 (2)

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)

Resolutions that Have Completed Legislation as of Thursday, January 22, 2026 (2 – 2 House)

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)

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

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999