West VirginiaSB 10532026 Regular SessionSenate

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

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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.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Brian Helton
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Rollan A. Roberts
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 318 • No: 6

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

Effective July 1, 2026 (Roll No. 667)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

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

Passed Senate (Roll No. 305)

Yes: 33 • No: 0