Charleston Report

With the Legislature now entering its fourth week of the 60-day session, the House of Delegates has settled into what might best be described as a “normal” week if such a thing truly exists in Charleston. There are no major deadlines pressing this week, allowing committees to continue their work at a steady pace and giving members the opportunity to focus on thoughtful review rather than last-minute decisions. In the sections that follow, I will highlight several bills that are moving through the process and deserve attention as the session continues to take shape.

Another important measure advancing this week is House Bill 4695, which strengthens protections for children by increasing criminal penalties for those who commit sexual assault, sexual abuse, exploitation, or severe neglect involving minors. When crimes are committed against a child, the consequences must reflect the seriousness of the harm. This legislation raises penalties for offenders, strengthens accountability for those in positions of trust, and reinforces our state’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children.

An important bill advancing this week is Committee Substitute for House Bill 4198, the E Verify Safe Harbor Act, which passed the House by a vote of 69 to 24 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

This legislation requires employers in West Virginia to use the federal E Verify system to confirm that newly hired employees are legally authorized to work in the United States. E Verify is free to use, operates quickly, and provides employers with confirmation in a matter of minutes in most cases. Just as importantly, it protects businesses by giving them a safe harbor when they comply in good faith with verification requirements.

The purpose of this bill is simple. Jobs in West Virginia should go to individuals who are legally authorized to work. When the system is not consistently used, it can lead to identity theft, document fraud, and unfair competition that harms both lawful workers and honest employers.

By creating a uniform statewide standard, this bill strengthens the integrity of our workforce, protects responsible businesses, and helps safeguard our communities.
House Bill 4695 passed the House unanimously and now moves to the Senate for consideration. Protecting children is not a partisan issue. It is a moral obligation. By increasing penalties and closing gaps in the law, this bill sends a clear message that West Virginia will not tolerate those who prey on or endanger our children.
One of the most significant economic development measures moving this session is Senate Bill 1, the Small Business Growth Act. When the bill arrived in the House, we adopted a full strike and insert amendment, replacing its contents with the language of House Bill 4003, the WV First Small Business Growth Act. When it returns to the Senate, SB 1 will in effect be HB 4003 in form and substance, reflecting the House’s approach and priorities.

This legislation is directly focused on growing West Virginia’s existing small businesses. Too often, economic development conversations center only on recruiting large out of state companies. While that remains important, some of the greatest growth potential in our state lies with the men and women who already operate businesses here. These are companies that already employ West Virginians, already pay local taxes, and already support their communities. This bill gives them a real opportunity to expand.

The WV First Small Business Growth Act is designed to attract private capital into those businesses. Let me be clear. This is not taxpayer money being invested into private companies. The state is not writing checks to businesses. Instead, the program creates a framework where private investors are incentivized through targeted tax credits to invest in certified growth funds. Those funds must then deploy capital into eligible West Virginia small businesses that meet specific criteria. It is private dollars driving private sector expansion.

The goal is straightforward. Increase access to capital so West Virginia companies can add equipment, expand facilities, enter new markets, and hire more workers. Access to capital has long been one of the barriers to growth in a rural state like ours. This bill directly addresses that challenge in a structured and accountable way.

Importantly, this model is not untested. It is patterned after successful programs in several other states that have used similar structures to attract investment and stimulate small business expansion. We studied what has worked elsewhere and crafted a West Virginia version that fits our economic landscape and priorities.

This is about building from within. It is about helping a manufacturer add a second shift. It is about allowing a regional service company to grow into a statewide employer. It is about supporting innovation that starts in West Virginia and stays in West Virginia.

This legislation embodies our House agenda of Jobs Everywhere. Growth should not be limited to one region or one industry. By empowering the businesses that are already here and ready to expand, we create opportunity across our state. When West Virginia small businesses succeed, West Virginia families succeed.

As the session continues, constituent input remains a vital part of the legislative process. Hearing directly from residents helps guide priorities and ensures that the work being done reflects the needs of our communities. Assistance with state agencies or other state-related concerns is always available through my office. I can be reached at (304) 340-3191 or at Gary.Howell@WVHouse.gov