Updates on key legislation from the Black Policy Day Organizing Team
The West Virginia Black Policy Agenda is community-rooted and community-driven—a roadmap to a thriving West Virginia where every person can live a happy, healthy life in safe and flourishing communities.
It is a living document that we are continually refining and adding policies to based on input from Black West Virginians from all over the state.
The Black Policy Agenda framework mirrors the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), which are the conditions in our environment that impact our health, functioning, and quality of life.
We believe in a West Virginia that ensures economic dignity and opportunity for all.
- SB 474 & HB 2005 (Ending DEI): Neither bill has moved so far—good news, but we must stay vigilant.
- CROWN Act – “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair“ (SB 662 & HB 3340):Both bills only have Democratic sponsors, making it challenging to get them on the committee agenda.
Take action: Call Sen. Patricia Rucker (Senate Gov. Org Chair) and Del. Chris Phillips (House Gov. Org Chair) to ask them to run the bill.
We believe in a West Virginia that invests in equitable and well-funded public education.
- HB 2545 (Corporal Punishment in Schools): Not moving and unlikely to advance.
- SB 199 / HB 2515 / HB 2649 (Elementary School Discipline):
Both chambers have passed versions increasing discipline measures for young students.
- SB 199 (which the House is considering this week) includes some improvements, such as a multi-step behavioral intervention process.
- Concern: No additional funding for social workers and behavioral interventionists.
- Hope Scholarship: The largest budget increase this year—$110 million—goes toward the Hope Scholarship, instead of investing in much-needed school support like pay raises and mental health resources.
We believe in a West Virginia that builds healthy communities, housing, and environments.
- SB 592 (Weakening Water Protections):
- Passed the Senate (25-7), now in the House.
Take action: Call House members—especially those in the Kanawha Valley—to oppose this harmful bill.
We believe in a West Virginia that shrinks the criminal legal system.
- SB 239 (Second Look Sentencing Act): Pending in Senate Judiciary.
Take action: Call Chair Mike Stuart and urge him to run the bill!
- SB 196 & SB 136 (Expanding Incarceration): would lead to the largest jail and prison expansion in a generation.
Take action: Call House Judiciary Chair JB Akers and urge him NOT to run these bills.
We believe in a West Virginia that ensures abundant food security.
- SB 249 (Expanding Work Requirements for SNAP): Pending in Senate Finance. If it moves, we’ll need your help opposing it.
SNAP Stretch: Ask House and Senate Finance members to include state funding for this vital program in the budget.
We believe in a West Virginia that prioritizes public health.
- SB 460 (Vaccine Rollback): Passed the Senate; House Health Committee could take it up any day.
Take action: Call House Health members and urge them to oppose this bill.
- SB 292 (Doula Services Covered by Medicaid/PEIA): Pending in Senate Finance.
Take action: Call Chair Jason Barrett and committee members to support it.
- SB 482 (Licensing Certified Professional Midwives): Passed the Senate (victory!)—now pending in House Gov Org.
Take action: Call Chair Chris Phillips to urge him to run the bill.