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This week marked another interesting week of action at the West Virginia Legislature. The budget discussions are well underway and there are extensive conversations around tax reform and other major priorities at the Capitol this week.

The Senate passed SB 250, the budget bill. The bill includes several key priorities shared by the Senate and the Governor’s Office. Some key highlights include a 3% pay increase for all Public Employees, fully funding the Hope Scholarship, fully funding higher education, fully funding the state Medicaid match requirements, an additional $27 million for foster care and accommodation of a proposed 10% reduction in the personal income tax. The budget negotiations are always ongoing, but this will be the first bite at the apple. The budget passed 28-4 and advanced to the House for further action.

The Senate passed SB 28, relating to the State Police Retirement System. This bill would allow State Troopers to utilize their unused accrued leave toward their retirement pension. I was pleased to cosponsor this legislation to support our troopers and to create a valuable recruiting and retention tool for the West Virginia State Police. The bill passed 33-0 and advanced to the House for further consideration.

The Senate passed SB 392, relating to reducing the personal income tax. This bill would decrease the personal income tax by 10%. This was a major priority from Governor Morrisey’s State of the State Address and is likely to be a major topic of discussion in the coming weeks. The bill passed 28-4 and advanced to the House for further debate.

The Senate passed SB 726, relating to the municipal stabilization fund. The purpose of the bill is to remove the cap on the municipal stabilization fund, which is essentially a rainy day or emergency fund for municipalities. I was pleased to be the lead sponsor of this bill, which provides flexibility and enhanced local control over local dollars. The bill passed 32-0 and advanced to the House for further consideration.

The Senate passed SB 278, relating to the Office of Entrepreneurship. This bill creates the Office of Entrepreneurship within the Office of the Secretary of State. Entrepreneurs need to know that their government is working to support them, this provides wrap-around services that help small business owners to achieve their goals and navigate the hurdles of government. I’m pleased to sponsor this legislation and look forward to it completing the process. The bill passed unanimously and advanced to the Senate for further debate.

In conclusion, we’re now looking at the final weeks of the 2026 Legislative Session. As we enter the final stretch, I welcome your input on the issues of the day. I’m honored to serve your interests in the halls of the Capitol. Have a great week!

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Sen. Trenton C. Barnhart

3rd District

304.357.7905

trenton.barnhart@wvsenate.gov