(A News and Sentinel Op-Ed - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

This week marked the halfway point for the 2026 Legislative Session. As we approach Crossover Day, many bills are being debated and new policies are starting to take shape.

The Senate passed SB 30, related to conceal carry permits. The bill allows 18- to 20-year-olds to carry concealed weapons without a permit. The bill passed 33-1 and advances to the House for further discussion.

The Senate passed SB 173, relating to abortifacients. This bill would essentially prohibit abortion causing medicines from being prescribed or mailed into the state. The bill passed 31-1 and advances to the House for further action.

The Senate passed SB 440, relating to telecommunication devices in jails. This bill increases penalties for unlawfully transporting a telecommunications device into a correctional facility, making this act a felony and increasing other penalties. The bill passed 34-0 and advances to the House for further discussion.

The Senate passed SB 478, establishing the Second Amendment Reaffirmation and Protection Act. This bill is designed to pre-emptively protect and restore broad firearm rights in the state if certain gun laws are repealed or ruled unconstitutional. The bill passed 34-0 and advances to the House for further action.

The Senate passed SB 615, relating to illegal immigration. Under the bill, local law enforcement officials are mandated to turn individuals over to ICE in the event it’s discovered that an individual is undocumented. The bill passed 32-2 and advances to the House for further discussion.

The Legislative Branch of government has the “power of the purse,” and serving on the Senate Finance Committee is an incredible responsibility that I do not take lightly. This was a particularly interesting week in that committee as we considered multiple bills that are designed to improve retirement benefits for our state police, municipal firefighters, municipal police officers and other first responders. I look forward to seeing these bills come to the floor and doing all that I can to support our heroes who work everyday to keep our communities safe.

As we begin the second half of the 2026 Legislative Session, I welcome your input on the issues of the day. Everyone has a voice and everyone deserves to be heard. If you visit us in Charleston, my door is always open. I’m honored to serve your interests in the Capitol. Have a great week!

***

Sen. Trenton C. Barnhart

3rd District

304.357.7905

trenton.barnhart@wvsenate.gov