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West VirginiaSB 4592026 Regular SessionSenate

Ensuring meaningful contact between child and step-siblings

Sponsored By: Laura Wakim Chapman (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§48-9-102

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Custody rulings must protect sibling bonds

Beginning June 11, 2026, courts must follow updated child-custody goals. The law makes meaningful contact with a child’s siblings a primary goal. It covers half-siblings and step-siblings. This applies when the child has an established bond and the step-sibling lives at least part-time with the biological parent. Courts also prioritize the child’s stability, existing parent‑child bonds, safety, and meaningful time with each parent. They consider and encourage clear parental plans, choose capable caregivers, and decide cases quickly to avoid long uncertainty. Fairness between the parents remains a secondary goal.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Laura Wakim Chapman

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 116 • No: 0

House vote • 3/13/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 528)

Yes: 85 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/2/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 271)

Yes: 31 • 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. To Governor 3/18/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026House

  7. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/13/2026House

  8. Read 3rd time

    3/13/2026House

  9. Passed House (Roll No. 528)

    3/13/2026House

  10. Communicated to Senate

    3/13/2026House

  11. Completed legislative action

    3/13/2026House

  12. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    3/12/2026House

  13. Read 2nd time

    3/12/2026House

  14. On 1st reading, Special Calendar

    3/11/2026House

  15. Read 1st time

    3/11/2026House

  16. Do pass

    3/10/2026House

  17. Markup Discussion

    3/6/2026House

  18. House received Senate message

    3/3/2026House

  19. Introduced in House

    3/3/2026House

  20. To Judiciary

    3/3/2026House

  21. To House Judiciary

    3/3/2026House

  22. On 3rd reading

    3/2/2026Senate

  23. Read 3rd time

    3/2/2026Senate

  24. Passed Senate (Roll No. 271)

    3/2/2026Senate

  25. Ordered to House

    3/2/2026Senate

Bill Text

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