WV House Opens 2026 Session With Bills Targeting Taxes, Public Safety, Education, and Government Reform

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia House of Delegates opened the 2026 Regular Session with a broad slate of new bills addressing tax relief, public safety, education, and government operations.
Early filings include proposals to expand the Homestead Property Tax Exemption for seniors and disabled residents, along with measures aimed at tightening penalties for violent offenses and improving law‑enforcement recruitment. Lawmakers also introduced bills focused on school safety, including updated emergency response requirements and expanded access to mental‑health resources for students.
Several economic and regulatory measures were also introduced, including proposals to streamline business licensing, adjust state procurement rules, and expand broadband deployment in underserved communities. Members filed bills to strengthen consumer protections, revise election procedures, and update state ethics laws.
All House bills now move to their assigned committees for review as lawmakers begin the 60‑day session.