April 2, 2026 Governor Morrisey Signs Key Legislation to Strengthen Workforce, Protect Communities, and Modernize State Government ...

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey signed a series of bills into law following the 2026 Legislative Session aimed at expanding workforce opportunity, strengthening public safety, and improving the efficiency of state government.

"These are commonsense measures focused on opportunity, safety, and making government work better for the people of West Virginia," said Governor Morrisey. "We're taking steps to grow our workforce, protect our communities, and ensure our state is prepared for the future."

Among the most impactful measures are a series of bills designed to expand workforce opportunities and build a more resilient economy. Leading these efforts is SB 402, the Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act, which establishes a strategic micro-credentialing program. Other workforce related bills include HB 4009 (expanding portable benefits), HB 4005 the Skills to Work Act (providing real-world job experience), and SB 490 (short-term training through Pell Grants).

The Governor also signed HB 4610, the Right-To-Try Cutting-Edge Medicine Act, expanding access to experimental treatments for individuals with life-threatening or severely debilitating conditions. The measure removes barriers that previously limited access to these options. It gives patients and their doctors greater flexibility to pursue potentially life-saving care.

To strengthen protections for religious freedom and public order, Governor Morrisey approved SB 1026, which increases penalties for individuals who disrupt religious services while preserving First Amendment protections for lawful protest. At a time when communities across the country have experienced disruptions at their places of worship, this measure reinforces the importance of protecting the right to gather and worship in peace.

Additionally, the Governor signed HB 5638, a bill designed to consolidate oversight of state cybersecurity efforts and establish clearer standards to better protect sensitive information and modernize state systems. This will be better position the state to respond to cyber threats and safeguard critical infrastructure.

"These bills reflect our commitment to preparing West Virginia for the challenges ahead while staying focused on the needs of our people today," said Governor Morrisey.

Additional legislation signed into law includes:

• HB 5364 eliminated 25 state board and commissions that were either redundant or barely met.
• HB 4425 restores the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission's ability to oversee student-athlete transfers.
• HB 4106 extends constitutional carry rights to 18- to 20-year-olds.
• HB 5430, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Act, improves oversight of prescription drug spending in state programs to help control costs.
• HB 4395 requires investigations of school personnel for the endangerment of a student to continue even if the employee leaves their position.

"Each of these bills moves West Virginia forward," Governor Morrisey said. "We're creating more opportunity for our workers, strengthening protections for our communities, and making state government more efficient and effective - and we're going to keep building on that progress."