West Virginia lawmakers advance key bills, others fail in 2025 legislative session

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — The West Virginia 2025 Legislative Session wrapped on Saturday and despite what some deemed as an "unproductive" session, lawmakers passed several notable bills that now head to Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s desk to become law.

One of the most notable was House Bill 2026, which established the state’s general revenue budget for the fiscal year 2026. The bill approved a budget of $5.3 billion which included more than $200 million in supplemental funding to agencies including the Division of Highways and Economic Development Project Fund, as well as additional funding to the Personal Income Tax Reserve Fund.

HB 2014, also known as the microgrid bill, also passed, which establishes a microgrid program to attract data centers to West Virginia to provide in-state power sources through reinvestment in coal, natural gas.

The microgrid bill also aims to generate funds for economic development and to lower income tax, a goal that has continued from former governor, now Sen. Jim Justice’s administration.

Senate Bill 456, the Riley Gaines Act, passed which legally fines terms relating sex and gender, such as “male” and “female,” into state code. The legislation has drawn criticism as a method to target minority groups, such as transgender and non-binary citizens.

The legislation, which is named after the activist and former NCAA swimmer who tied for fifth place with a transgender swimmer in the 200-yard freestyle championship, creates legal single-sex spaces in areas such as locker rooms and restrooms.

Similarly, SB 299 largely restricts access to gender affirming care for individuals under the age of 18-years-old. These restrictions prohibit gender transitioning, as well as regulations on hormone therapy, such as those taking estrogen or testosterone. A heated debate ensued on the house floor due to the potentially life-saving care that the medical practices provide and the dangers of forcing those taking hormones to stop suddenly.

SB 474 passed the House Saturday night which eliminates diversity, equity and inclusion programs across the state. The bill comes after President Donald Trump began his second term by taking aim and slashing such programs on the federal level. The programs, which aim to ensure people from all backgrounds and ability equal access, have become a target for many in the Republican Party who argue that the programs prioritize diversity over qualifications.

Additionally, SB 461 creates the One Stop Shop Permitting Program that will allow those obtaining or renewing business permits through a Permitting Dashboard and the Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act, or SB 468, allows licensing and certifications to professionals without additional examinations.

The legislature also passed HB 2003, which seeks to limit the use of cell phones in school in hopes to cut down on distractions during instruction and improve wellbeing amongst students.

Following the session, Gov. Morrisey released a statement thanking the state’s lawmakers for their work.

“When I took office just three months ago, I promised to address West Virginia’s challenges head on, bringing the type of change that moves the needle and invigorates our state,” said Governor Morrisey. “I’m grateful to our legislators in the House and Senate for passing bills that grow our economy, streamline government, and uphold common sense. With more significant changes to our state yet to come, West Virginia has only just begun its comeback!”

However, despite several key pieces of legislation being passed, notable exemptions included SB 585, or the Cohen Craddock Safety Act, which would have required additional protection for student athletes and the contentious SB 460 which would have allowed for religious exemptions to vaccines.