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West VirginiaSB 5062026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Permitting certain use of county-owned wireless tower

Sponsored By: Jay Taylor (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§7-1-3K

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

County space for local nonprofits

Beginning June 12, 2026, county commissions can lease or allow county buildings and land to local nonprofits. Groups must be established in that county. Counties decide which nonprofits can use the space and for what.

Local panel to manage county space

Beginning June 12, 2026, a county may appoint a 3 to 5 person panel to manage who uses county properties. All members must live in the county. A majority forms a quorum; decisions need a majority vote and can be reviewed by the county commission. Members may be repaid for necessary expenses.

Free tower space for public safety

Beginning June 12, 2026, counties may let 911, police, fire, EMS, the state highways department, and other state agencies use tower space with no usage charge. Counties can still bill for actual, reasonable costs like engineering, maintenance, utilities, and tower changes. These users must meet the same security and eligibility rules.

Leasing county wireless towers with safeguards

Beginning June 12, 2026, county commissions can lease space on county-owned wireless towers. Any user must pass strict security checks: no ties to federal foreign‑adversary or terrorism lists, or those named by key executive orders or terror‑supporting countries. Users cannot do unconstitutional surveillance and must use strong, uncompromised cyber defenses. If tech connects to election systems, it cannot use hardware or software from foreign‑controlled or non‑U.S. sources, or made abroad. Counties must do due diligence and are shielded from damages if they do, and they can set local rules and charge fees for use.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jay Taylor

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Patricia Rucker

    Republican • Senate

  • Randy E. Smith

    Republican • Senate

  • Darren Thorne

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 164 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 624)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 3/13/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 534)

Yes: 96 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/2/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 34)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026Senate

  2. To Governor 3/18/2026

    3/18/2026Senate

  3. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  4. Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 624)

    3/14/2026Senate

  5. Communicated to House

    3/14/2026Senate

  6. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026House

  10. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/13/2026House

  11. Read 3rd time

    3/13/2026House

  12. Passed House (Roll No. 534)

    3/13/2026House

  13. Title amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/13/2026House

  14. Communicated to Senate

    3/13/2026House

  15. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    3/12/2026House

  16. Read 2nd time

    3/12/2026House

  17. Amendment reported by the Clerk

    3/12/2026House

  18. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/12/2026House

  19. On 1st reading, Special Calendar

    3/11/2026House

  20. Read 1st time

    3/11/2026House

  21. With amendment, do pass

    3/10/2026House

  22. Markup Discussion

    3/9/2026House

  23. House received Senate message

    2/3/2026House

  24. Introduced in House

    2/3/2026House

  25. To Judiciary

    2/3/2026House

Bill Text

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