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West VirginiaSB 7122026 Regular SessionSenate

Allowing installation of cattle guards on certain public roads

Sponsored By: Robbie Morris (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§17-2A-26

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Applicants pay to build and maintain guards

Beginning June 8, 2026, applicants pay all costs to install a cattle guard. You and any future owners must maintain, repair, replace, and, when required, remove it for its entire life. If permission is revoked, you must quickly remove the guard and restore the road at your expense. The state does not pay for any of these costs.

Cattle guards allowed on select local roads

Beginning June 8, 2026, the Division of Highways lets landowners and farm operators apply to put cattle guards on some public roads. You can apply only for local access, farm‑to‑market, or dead‑end roads in active farm or livestock areas, not interstates, U.S. routes, or primary or secondary state highways. You must file the Division’s application, show a real farm or livestock need, sign an indemnity, and meet any bonding or insurance rules. Guards must follow Division designs and signs, and cannot unreasonably block snow removal, road work, or emergency access. The Division can approve, deny, add conditions, suspend, or revoke to protect safety and operations. The Division writes rules that set the detailed steps and standards.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Robbie Morris

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Vince Deeds

    Republican • Senate

  • Craig A. Hart

    Republican • Senate

  • Darren Thorne

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 163 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 385)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 3/9/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 368)

Yes: 96 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/17/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 104)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 3/17/2026

    3/17/2026Senate

  2. Approved by Governor 3/17/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  3. Approved by Governor 3/17/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  4. To Governor 3/11/2026

    3/11/2026Senate

  5. House Message received

    3/10/2026Senate

  6. Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 385)

    3/10/2026Senate

  7. Communicated to House

    3/10/2026Senate

  8. Completed legislative action

    3/10/2026Senate

  9. House received Senate message

    3/10/2026House

  10. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/9/2026House

  11. Read 3rd time

    3/9/2026House

  12. Amendment reported by the Clerk

    3/9/2026House

  13. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/9/2026House

  14. Read 3rd time

    3/9/2026House

  15. Passed House (Roll No. 368)

    3/9/2026House

  16. Title amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/9/2026House

  17. Communicated to Senate

    3/9/2026House

  18. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    3/6/2026House

  19. Read 2nd time

    3/6/2026House

  20. Amendments pending

    3/6/2026House

  21. On 1st reading, Special Calendar

    3/5/2026House

  22. Read 1st time

    3/5/2026House

  23. With amendment, do pass

    3/4/2026House

  24. Markup Discussion

    3/2/2026House

  25. House received Senate message

    2/18/2026House

Bill Text

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