States

West Virginia Bill Tracking And State Guide

Everything you need to know to engage with the Senate and House
How does a bill become law in West Virginia?
1. The Idea: - A bill starts as an idea proposed by anyone including private citizens, corporations, or governmental units. - It must be sponsored by one or more legislators to be considered. 2. Preparation: - Bills are drafted with the help of the Office of Legislative Services or legislative staff counsel to ensure proper format. - The legislator reviews the draft before submitting it to the clerk. 3. Introduction: - The clerk assigns a unique number to each bill, which is used throughout the legislative session. - The bill is then assigned to a committee for consideration. 4. Committee Study: - Standing Committees analyze bills and make recommendations. - Possible outcomes include: recommending "do pass", rejecting the bill, or making no recommendation. 5. Floor Action: - After leaving the committee, the bill is read on the floor. - It goes through three readings: - First reading informs members, - Second reading allows for amendments, - Third reading is the vote on passage. 6. Action by the Second Chamber: - If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber where it undergoes a similar process. 7. Conference Committees: - If there are changes made by the second chamber, a conference committee resolves differences. - The revised bill is then voted upon again. 8. Action by the Governor: - The governor has five days (or 15 days after adjournment) to approve or veto the bill. - If no action is taken within the time limits, the bill automatically becomes law. 9. Overriding a Veto: - A simple majority in both chambers can override a veto, except for budget bills which require a two-thirds majority.
How can a member of the public get involved in the legislative process in West Virginia?
A member of the public can get involved in the legislative process in West Virginia in several ways: 1. Proposing a Bill: Anyone can propose an idea for a bill to a legislator. This can be done by private citizens, corporations, professional associations, special interest groups, or governmental units. However, it is important to note that a bill must be sponsored by one or more legislators for it to be considered. 2. Contacting Legislators: Citizens can contact their elected officials—senators and delegates—to express their opinions on current legislation or to suggest new ideas for bills. 3. Attending Legislative Sessions: Members of the public can attend sessions of the West Virginia Legislature to observe the debates and discussions on proposed legislation. 4. Providing Testimony: Individuals may have opportunities to provide testimony during committee hearings, where they can share their views and expertise on specific bills. 5. Monitoring Legislation: Citizens can track the status of bills, including who sponsors a bill and what committee it is assigned to.
How can FastDemocracy help me with that?
Tracking bills is hard, especially if you rely on state legislature websites, which are often hard to navigate. Thousands of bills get filed in West Virginia every year (and about 180,000 bills nationwide). If you want to be an effective advocate, you need to know where legislation of interest stands, and act quickly.
FastDemocracy's free version allows you to track an unlimited number of bills - no strings attached. We'll send you a daily or weekly email on your priority bills and give you tools to research bills and legislators.
FastDemocracy Professional is for anyone who tracks bills in a professional capacity. It features
  • real-time bill, amendment and hearing alerts
  • automated reporting
  • team collaboration
  • bill tagging for clients and stakeholders
  • bill similarity detection
  • ...and much more
How do I track bills in West Virginia?
1. Sign up here for a free FastDemocracy account.
2. Head to Tracked Topics to select issue areas you care about.
3. Use the search bar on top if you're looking for something specific.
4. Click "Track Bill" for any legislation you'd like to monitor a bit closer. That's how you add it to your Tracked Bills. You can also click on a bill to learn more, see the bill summary, most recent actions, votes, news and tweets. You can also contact legislators or share your bills on social media.
5. You can track an unlimited number of bills for free and we'll send you a daily or weekly email if your tracked legislation moves.
6. Do you need real-time alerts, outreach tools, bill lists, and professional functions? Then FastDemocracy Professional is the right fit for you.
7. Track bills on your smartphone using our free mobile app.
How do I find my local West Virginia Senator and Delegate?
You can use the Find Your Legislators tool to find them, see their voting records, and contact them.
Most tracked bills in West Virginia, 2025 Regular Session
Prohibiting use or sale of abortifacients
Last Action
Ordered to House
Senate • Apr 01, 2025
Last Action
To Finance
Senate • Mar 29, 2025
Expanding employment and training requirements necessary for SNAP benefits
Last Action
To House Finance
House • Mar 26, 2025
Latest Version
Relating to vaccine requirements
Last Action
House Message received
Senate • Mar 26, 2025
Latest Version
Ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs
  • Smith
Last Action
To House Education
House • Mar 26, 2025
Bill up for consideration House Committee on Education
Apr 02, 2025 01:00pm
House Education Committee Room
Camping ban on certain public property.
Last Action
Referred to Rules on 2nd reading
Senate • Mar 25, 2025
Creating the Parents Bill of Rights.
Last Action
Senate requests House to concur
Senate • Mar 24, 2025
To make those who fail drug test ineligible for unemployment
Last Action
Senate requests House to concur
Senate • Mar 21, 2025
Defining "men" and "women"
Last Action
Approved by Governor 3/18/2025 - House Journal
House • Mar 18, 2025
Prohibiting sexual orientation instruction in public schools
Last Action
To House Education
House • Mar 10, 2025
Bill up for consideration House Committee on Education
Apr 02, 2025 01:00pm
House Education Committee Room
Modifying WV regulations on pubertal modulation, hormonal therapy, and gender reassignment
Last Action
To House Health and Human Resources
House • Mar 10, 2025
Latest Version
Relating to opioid treatment programs
Last Action
To Health and Human Resources
Senate • Mar 07, 2025
Latest Version
Relating to foster or adoption parents sincerely held religious or moral beliefs regarding sexual orientation or gender identity
Last Action
To House Health and Human Resources
House • Feb 20, 2025
Latest Version
Eliminate woke, anti-women words from state government
Last Action
To House Health and Human Resources
House • Feb 17, 2025
Latest Version
Ending DEI Programs
Last Action
To House Government Organization
House • Feb 18, 2025
Latest Version
Modiying Unborn Child Protection Act
Last Action
To House Health and Human Resources
House • Feb 13, 2025
Latest Version
Fetal Heartbeat Act
Last Action
To Health and Human Resources
Senate • Feb 12, 2025
Latest Version
WV Chemical Abortion Prohibition Act
Last Action
To Health and Human Resources
Senate • Feb 12, 2025
Latest Version
Requiring course in public schools on human development
Last Action
To Education
Senate • Feb 12, 2025
Latest Version
Establishing WV Mothers and Babies Pregnancy Support Program
Last Action
To Finance
Senate • Feb 12, 2025
Latest Version
All Legislators in West Virginia (Senator and Delegate)