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West VirginiaHB 49822026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Make West Virginia Healthy Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Evan Worrell (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§5-1E-1§5-1E-2§5-1E-3§5-1E-4§5-1E-5§9-5-34§16-67-1§16-67-2§16-67-3§16-67-4§16-67-5§16-67-6§16-67-7§16-67-8§16-67-9§16-67-10§18-2-7A§18-5D-4

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Medicaid now covers food-based care

West Virginia Medicaid plans can offer nutrition care for members with diet-related chronic diseases. Services can include nutrition counseling, medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, and groceries that fit your care plan. The state Medicaid agency sets rules, quality measures, and reporting for these services. The state also works to secure a federal Section 1115 waiver and reports results to lawmakers.

More school meal help and take-home food

The state and each county school board create a fund or nonprofit to take gifts and grants for student nutrition. Money can only buy food for students in programs approved by the Office of Child Nutrition, not pay administrative or staff costs. All donations and spending are included in yearly independent audits. Education agencies may form public‑private partnerships, including weekend take‑home food. Education and Human Services work together on after‑school nutrition and can set rules.

Stronger PE and fitness in schools

Public schools must meet clear PE minimums: elementary—at least 30 minutes on three days each week; middle—one full PE period daily for one semester; high school—one full PE credit to graduate. The State Board requires fitness testing in grades 4–8 and in the required high school PE course. Staff may not take away recess or physical activity as punishment in K–8. Schools without enough PE staff or space can submit an alternate PE plan for state approval and delay standard rollout until their plan is approved. The state collects sample BMI data with privacy protections and uses anonymized school fitness and nutrition data to track progress.

More local food in schools and care

The state runs and funds a Farm-to-School program with Education and Agriculture. The Office maps food deserts, studies health effects of additives and dyes, and identifies local vendors to supply fresh foods. Medicaid plans are encouraged to buy from West Virginia farmers when allowed by Medicaid rules. County healthy-lifestyle grants give priority to schools that grow Farm-to-School participation. These steps help local farms and bring more fresh, local food to students and patients.

Healthy Lifestyles Office and fund

The law keeps the Office of Healthy Lifestyles in the Department of Health. A special Healthy Lifestyles Fund holds appropriations, earnings, and donations; balances stay in the fund and are not charged to the General Fund. The Office can seek and spend public and private grants. A 13‑member Healthy Lifestyles Coalition meets monthly; members serve four‑year terms and get expense reimbursement. A clinical advisory committee guides programs using current research.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Evan Worrell

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 213 • No: 11

House vote • 2/20/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 135)

Yes: 90 • No: 6

Senate vote • 2/19/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 159)

Yes: 32 • No: 1

House vote • 2/9/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 60)

Yes: 91 • No: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 2/28/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/2/2026Senate

  2. Approved by Governor 2/28/2026

    3/2/2026House

  3. Approved by Governor 2/28/2026 - House Journal

    3/2/2026House

  4. To Governor 2/23/2026 - Senate Journal

    2/25/2026Senate

  5. To Governor 2/23/2026

    2/23/2026House

  6. House Message received

    2/21/2026Senate

  7. House received Senate message

    2/20/2026House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 135)

    2/20/2026House

  9. Communicated to Senate

    2/20/2026House

  10. Completed legislative action

    2/20/2026House

  11. On 3rd reading

    2/19/2026Senate

  12. Read 3rd time

    2/19/2026Senate

  13. Passed Senate (Roll No. 159)

    2/19/2026Senate

  14. Title amendment adopted

    2/19/2026Senate

  15. Senate requests House to concur

    2/19/2026Senate

  16. On 2nd reading

    2/18/2026Senate

  17. Read 2nd time

    2/18/2026Senate

  18. Committee amendments adopted (Voice vote)

    2/18/2026Senate

  19. Floor amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    2/18/2026Senate

  20. On 1st reading

    2/17/2026Senate

  21. Read 1st time

    2/17/2026Senate

  22. Reported do pass, with amendments

    2/16/2026Senate

  23. Introduced in Senate

    2/10/2026Senate

  24. To Health and Human Resources

    2/10/2026Senate

  25. To Health and Human Resources

    2/10/2026Senate

Bill Text

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