The recent close of the 2025 legislative session brought significant changes in West Virginia’s political landscape. A noteworthy development includes the passage of House Bill 3279. Despite objections from West Virginia University (WVU) and Marshall University, who argued the bill addresses a non-existent issue, this legislation redesignates student, faculty, and staff members of college and university boards of governors as non-voting advisory members. Additionally, for WVU, the Extension service faculty representative will also become a non-voting member. After some final amendments, the bill now awaits the governor’s approval.
In a statement, WVU emphasized the importance of its community’s voices, acknowledging their opposition to HB 3279. The university expressed its commitment to implementing the bill’s provisions upon its enactment and ensuring continued engagement with faculty and student representatives in the decision-making process.
Furthermore, Senate Bill 50, which synchronizes municipal election dates with statewide primary and general elections, is set to become effective on July 1, 2032. Although an amendment proposed to advance this date to 2028 was rejected, the House conceded and passed the original Senate version with overwhelming support.
Several other bills now head to the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 280 mandates the display of the U.S. Motto, “IN God We Trust,” in public schools and higher education institutions, to be placed in prominent common areas accessible to the public. This move follows previous unsuccessful attempts in 2023 and 2024. Public funding for these displays is prohibited, yet private funding is allowed.
House Bill 2003 requires county school boards to devise policies on the use of personal electronic devices on school property, including exceptions for medical needs and students with Individualized Education Programs. It also outlines consequences for policy violations.
House Bill 2164 introduces options for schools to enhance security, including employing safety officers or contracting private security services. This initiative includes provisions for hiring retired law enforcement officers as part of a Guardian program.
Addressing property rights, House Bill 2434, known as the Stop Squatters Act, defines legal measures against unauthorized occupants and establishes penalties for damage caused by squatters and unauthorized real estate transactions.
House Bill 2960 initiates a pilot project to improve snow removal on secondary roads in Monongalia and Preston counties, responding to community concerns about inadequate services. This two-year project will solicit proposals from vendors to manage snow clearance effectively.
Some legislative measures did not advance, including Senate Bill 85, which sought to prohibit the mail-order prescription of abortion medications, and a pro-coal resolution that aimed to promote coal usage in response to changing national energy policies.
The Bottom Line
The recently concluded legislative session brought forward critical changes that are expected to impact various aspects of life in West Virginia. The shift to non-voting roles for advisory members in educational institutions may alter how universities engage with their communities, potentially affecting representation and decision-making at the board level.
Aligning municipal election dates with state elections could streamline the voting process, potentially increasing voter turnout and reducing administrative costs. Moreover, the legislative focus on security and property rights aims to enhance safety and order, while the pilot project for snow removal addresses longstanding community concerns in Monongalia and Preston counties, promising improved infrastructure maintenance and access during harsh winters.
These legislative actions collectively represent a broad effort to address public concerns, optimize governance, and ensure the effective delivery of services throughout the state.
