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West VirginiaHB 52142026 Regular SessionHouse

Relating to drug testing of parents who have had abuse and/or neglect claims substantiated against them prior to reunification.

Sponsored By: Scot C. Heckert (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§49-4-604

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Medication-assisted treatment won’t end parental rights

The court may not end your parental rights only because you are in medication-assisted treatment for substance use. This protection applies if you are meeting the program’s treatment rules under state law.

Drug tests before kids return home

When substance misuse was part of the case, or there is credible current evidence, parents must complete drug testing the court sets before reunification. Tests cover substances the court or department reasonably suspects. A positive initial test, without a valid prescription or medical cannabis card, can pause the child’s return until lab confirmation. The department must immediately send results to the court, the child’s lawyer, and all parties, and the court can set a hearing. The department pays the reasonable and necessary testing costs.

Parents get child case plan early

After a court finds abuse or neglect, the department must file a written child case plan. It must list placement, permanency plans, services for family and caregivers, ADA accommodations, and reunification timelines. You and the child’s attorney get a copy at least five days before the dispositional hearing.

Stronger rules for guardians ad litem

A guardian ad litem must follow child abuse court rules and lawyer conduct rules. They must meet education and court certification standards, or they cannot be paid. The state Supreme Court is asked to review training, certification, and payment rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Scot C. Heckert

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 258 • No: 0

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment with amendment and title amendment (Roll No. 646)

Yes: 97 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 693)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/13/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 562)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 2/23/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 167)

Yes: 94 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter 72, Acts, Regular Session, 2026

    8/13/2026House

  2. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026House

  3. To Governor 3/25/26

    3/25/2026House

  4. House received Senate message

    3/14/2026House

  5. House concurred in Senate amendment with amendment and title amendment (Roll No. 646)

    3/14/2026House

  6. Communicated to Senate

    3/14/2026House

  7. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 693)

    3/14/2026Senate

  9. Communicated to House

    3/14/2026Senate

  10. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026Senate

  11. To Governor 3/25/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026House

  14. On 3rd reading with right to amend

    3/13/2026Senate

  15. Read 3rd time

    3/13/2026Senate

  16. HHR com. amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/13/2026Senate

  17. Passed Senate (Roll No. 562)

    3/13/2026Senate

  18. Judiciary com. title amendment adopted

    3/13/2026Senate

  19. Senate requests House to concur

    3/13/2026Senate

  20. Reported do pass, with title amend., and as amended by HHR

    3/12/2026Senate

  21. Immediate consideration

    3/12/2026Senate

  22. Read 2nd time

    3/12/2026Senate

  23. Without recommendation, but first rereferred to Judiciary

    3/11/2026Senate

  24. Immediate consideration

    3/11/2026Senate

  25. Read 1st time

    3/11/2026Senate

Bill Text

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