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West VirginiaHB 40042026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Creating the Recharge West Virginia Program

Sponsored By: Evan Worrell (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§5B-2P-1§5B-2P-2§5B-2P-3§5B-2P-4§5B-2P-5

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Who and what qualifies for Recharge WV

Employers must be physically in West Virginia, registered with the Secretary of State, not be a public body or foreign nonprofit, and be in good standing with unemployment insurance. Employees must be W‑2 workers who lived in West Virginia and worked full time for the last six months. Training must be approved by the division and lead to an industry‑recognized or employer‑designated credential from an authorized issuer. The raise must be at least 25% over the base wage and above West Virginia’s average weekly wage.

Training cost paybacks with caps

The state repays part of employer training costs when the Legislature funds the program. Payments are capped at $10,000 per employee and $100,000 per employer each fiscal year. You cannot claim the same training expense under another state program; the division can make you repay and may apply penalties. Employers must apply and follow program rules to get paid.

State issues rules within 90 days

The division must issue emergency rules within 90 days of the law taking effect. The rules cover how to apply, how awards are chosen, training agreement duties, and other steps to run the program.

How awards are chosen and paid

Employers must apply with a training plan, job description and pay range, proof the worker qualifies, proof of base wage, and the expected wage after training. The division scores all applications after the deadline, not first‑come. It looks at wage gains vs. cost, regional need and balance, your cost share, and past actions. After a preliminary award, you must sponsor a current employee to start the credential within six months; the employee cannot start before the award. To get repaid, you must show training dates, the credential, total cost and your share, and payroll proving the qualifying raise.

Recordkeeping and wage checks after awards

If you get an award, you must keep training, credential, payroll, and listed employee data for five years and give copies on request. For two years after reimbursement, you must tell the division if you cut the trained worker’s pay and explain why; unjustified cuts can hurt future awards. Records you give the state are exempt from public disclosure.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Evan Worrell

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Stanley Adkins

    Republican • House

  • Jordan Bridges

    Republican • House

  • Ryan Browning

    Republican • House

  • David Cannon

    Republican • House

  • Sarah Drennan

    Republican • House

  • Marty Gearheart

    Republican • House

  • George Miller

    Republican • House

  • Mickey Petitto

    Republican • House

  • Andy Shamblin

    Republican • House

  • Lisa White

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 335 • No: 17

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 706)

Yes: 89 • No: 6

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 705)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 3/14/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 707)

Yes: 92 • No: 4

House vote • 3/14/2026

Motion for previous question adopted (Roll No. 705)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 704)

Yes: 33 • No: 1

House vote • 2/4/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 45)

Yes: 87 • No: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026House

  2. To Governor 3/18/2026

    3/18/2026House

  3. On 3rd reading

    3/14/2026Senate

  4. Read 3rd time

    3/14/2026Senate

  5. Passed Senate (Roll No. 704)

    3/14/2026Senate

  6. Effective from passage (Roll No. 705)

    3/14/2026Senate

  7. Senate requests House to concur

    3/14/2026Senate

  8. House received Senate message

    3/14/2026House

  9. Motion for previous question adopted (Roll No. 705)

    3/14/2026House

  10. House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 706)

    3/14/2026House

  11. Effective from passage (Roll No. 707)

    3/14/2026House

  12. Communicated to Senate

    3/14/2026House

  13. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026House

  14. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  15. To Governor 3/18/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  16. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  17. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  18. On 2nd reading

    3/13/2026Senate

  19. Read 2nd time

    3/13/2026Senate

  20. Finance com. amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/13/2026Senate

  21. Reported do pass, with amendment

    3/12/2026Senate

  22. Immediate consideration

    3/12/2026Senate

  23. Read 1st time

    3/12/2026Senate

  24. Reported do pass, but first to Finance

    3/5/2026Senate

  25. To Finance

    3/5/2026Senate

Bill Text

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