This bill, introduced on February 17, 2025, aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding a new article that prohibits the use of "woke words" and agendas in state government communications. Specifically, it establishes that all state offices, departments, boards, and commissions must refrain from using exclusionary or sexist language in their official documents, websites, literature, and in-person communications. The bill outlines specific terms that should be replaced with more traditional, female-affirming alternatives, such as substituting "pregnant people" with "pregnant women" and "chestfeeding" with "breastfeeding."

The proposed changes are set to take effect on June 1, 2025, and include a comprehensive list of terms that are deemed inappropriate, with corresponding replacements provided. The intent of the bill is to eliminate what the sponsors consider to be "woke" language from government communications, thereby promoting a more conventional approach to language in state affairs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 1-8-1