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West VirginiaSB 10532026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Authorizing Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund to modernize and enhance WorkForce West Virginia

Sponsored By: Brian Helton (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§21A-5-5§21A-9-10

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Caps and end date for employer fee

The automation fee stops when total collections reach $60 million or on July 1, 2031, whichever comes first. At that time, WorkForce West Virginia reinstates the normal unemployment contribution rates required by law. In any fiscal year, once $18 million has been allocated to the automation fund, no more deposits go to that fund that year; money instead goes to the Unemployment Compensation Fund. If the Unemployment Compensation Fund balance falls below $300 million, deposits that would go to the automation fund are redirected to the compensation fund until it stays at $300 million for two straight quarters or until the fiscal year ends.

Employer unemployment tax rate cut in 2026

Beginning July 1, 2026, each employer’s unemployment contribution rate drops by 7 percentage points. The rate cannot go below 0%. This applies to employers that are liable for unemployment contributions under state law.

New employer fee funds unemployment upgrades

Starting July 1, 2026, most employers pay an annual automation and administration fee equal to 7% of their total taxable wages for the prior 12 months. Employers with a 0% contribution rate are exempt. The Commissioner can lower the percentage so total collections do not exceed $18 million each fiscal year. Employers get notice of the amount by March 31 and must pay within 30 days. Money goes into a new Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund run by WorkForce West Virginia. The fund may pay for tech upgrades, fraud prevention, better job-search tools, key administrative costs, and workforce initiatives. The Commissioner may write rules, and actions must meet federal unemployment standards; the law does not allow tax rates below federal minimums.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Brian Helton

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Rollan A. Roberts

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 318 • No: 6

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Effective July 1, 2026 (Roll No. 667)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 3/14/2026

Effective July 1, 2026 (Roll No. 627)

Yes: 92 • No: 3

House vote • 3/14/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 626)

Yes: 92 • No: 3

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 666)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/3/2026

Effective July 1, 2026 (Roll No. 306)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/3/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 305)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026Senate

  2. To Governor 3/19/2026

    3/19/2026Senate

  3. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/14/2026House

  4. Read 3rd time

    3/14/2026House

  5. Passed House (Roll No. 626)

    3/14/2026House

  6. Title amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/14/2026House

  7. Effective July 1, 2026 (Roll No. 627)

    3/14/2026House

  8. Communicated to Senate

    3/14/2026House

  9. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  10. Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 666)

    3/14/2026Senate

  11. Effective July 1, 2026 (Roll No. 667)

    3/14/2026Senate

  12. Communicated to House

    3/14/2026Senate

  13. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026Senate

  14. To Governor 3/19/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026House

  17. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/13/2026House

  18. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    3/12/2026House

  19. Read 2nd time

    3/12/2026House

  20. Amendment reported by the Clerk

    3/12/2026House

  21. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/12/2026House

  22. With amendment, do pass

    3/11/2026House

  23. Immediate consideration

    3/11/2026House

  24. Read 1st time

    3/11/2026House

  25. House received Senate message

    3/5/2026House

Bill Text

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