PRIA Logo™
West VirginiaHB 42452026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Authorizing Certain Agencies of the Department of Revenue to Promulgate Legislative Rules

Sponsored By: Doug Smith (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

15 provisions identified: 9 benefits, 2 costs, 4 mixed.

Property tax credit for homeowners

The law keeps and clarifies an income tax credit for property taxes you pay on your home. It clarifies who counts as a spouse who can claim and how a veteran’s or eligible widowed spouse’s homestead is treated. It does not list credit amounts.

Business tax credits for jobs and R&D

New and updated business credits are authorized. They cover giving vehicles to low‑income workers, downstream natural gas manufacturing investments, high‑wage growth, and commercial patent activity. The rules set who qualifies and how to claim. The law does not list credit amounts.

Mental health coverage must match

Health insurers must cover mental health and substance use care on par with medical care. Plans must use similar limits, approvals, and costs for both. This helps reduce surprise costs and improve access.

Fintech sandbox to test new products

The state can run a fintech sandbox so new finance companies can test services with limited regulation. Firms may launch products faster. Consumers may see new options sooner.

Insurance market stability updates

The state updates rules for insurance holding company systems. It also updates how insurers get balance‑sheet credit for reinsurance. These technical changes strengthen oversight and can support market stability.

Soft drinks tax rules clarified

The state defines who pays the Soft Drinks Tax and how it is collected. This can raise costs for sellers or customers. The law does not list the tax rate.

New rules for valuing timberland and utilities

The state sets how timberland and managed timberland are valued for property tax. It also updates how public utility property is valued for taxes. These methods can raise or lower tax bills for owners and utilities.

Clearer rules for joint bank accounts

Banks must follow clear notice and handling rules for joint accounts. The rule explains how ownership and actions on the account are handled. This helps joint owners understand their rights.

Tighter rules for insurance marketing

Insurers must follow standards for mass marketing of property and liability insurance. Ads for accident and sickness insurance must be accurate with clear disclosures. These rules help shoppers understand coverage.

Technical fixes to mortgage and bank rules

The state corrects citation numbers in mortgage rules and bank terminal rules. The rules stay the same. The edits help lenders and operators find the right sections. No new fees or consumer rights are created.

Clearer rules for gambling and racing

The state updates rules for online bingo and raffles, interactive wagering, advance‑deposit wagering, and thoroughbred racing. Operators must follow the revised rules. Players and businesses get clearer guidance. No dates or dollar amounts are listed.

New requirements for insurance workers

Applicants for insurance producer or adjuster licenses must submit fingerprints for background checks. Licensed adjusters must follow updated qualification and conduct rules. Expect added steps and small compliance costs.

Stronger ID checks for alcohol sales

Alcohol sellers must confirm buyers are 21 with one accepted ID. To accept a WV Mobile ID, the seller must use a DMV‑approved reader app. The buyer must share name, photo, and birthdate and the seller must match the photo. If the mobile ID cannot be validated, the sale cannot happen.

Student life insurance financing rules

Rules govern premium financing offers for college students who buy life insurance. You may see more offers and clearer disclosures. Financing can spread payments but adds borrowing costs.

Rules for preneed cemetery companies

The state sets rules for preneed cemetery companies. The rules cover licensing, records, or tax treatment for these businesses. They add clarity but may add compliance steps.

Free Policy Watch

You just read the policy. Now see what it costs you.

Pick a topic. PRIA runs your household against live legislation and sends you a free personalized readout.

Pick a topic to get started

My TaxesMy HealthMy BudgetMy MoneyMy Freedom
Or tell us something more specific

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Doug Smith

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 315 • No: 4

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 707)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Senate receded and passed (Roll No. 706)

Yes: 33 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 696)

Yes: 31 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 695)

Yes: 30 • No: 1

House vote • 3/2/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 235)

Yes: 93 • No: 1

House vote • 3/2/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 234)

Yes: 94 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026House

  2. To Governor 3/18/2026

    3/18/2026House

  3. Read 3rd time

    3/14/2026Senate

  4. Committee amendment withdrawn by unanimous consent

    3/14/2026Senate

  5. Floor amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/14/2026Senate

  6. Passed Senate (Roll No. 695)

    3/14/2026Senate

  7. Title amendment adopted

    3/14/2026Senate

  8. Effective from passage (Roll No. 696)

    3/14/2026Senate

  9. Senate requests House to concur

    3/14/2026Senate

  10. House received Senate message

    3/14/2026House

  11. House refused to concur; requested Senate to recede (Voice)

    3/14/2026House

  12. Communicated to Senate

    3/14/2026House

  13. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  14. Senate receded and passed (Roll No. 706)

    3/14/2026Senate

  15. Effective from passage (Roll No. 707)

    3/14/2026Senate

  16. Communicated to House

    3/14/2026Senate

  17. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026House

  21. On 3rd reading with right to amend, com. amendment pending

    3/13/2026Senate

  22. Laid over on 3rd reading 3/13/2026 with right to amend, com. amend. pending

    3/13/2026Senate

  23. On 2nd reading

    3/12/2026Senate

  24. Read 2nd time

    3/12/2026Senate

  25. Committee amendment reported

    3/12/2026Senate

Bill Text

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation

Take It Personal

Get Your Personalized Policy View

Take the PRIA Score to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.

Already have an account? Sign in