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

This week marked the final week of the 2026 Legislative Session and it was an exciting week of discussion at the Capitol.

The Senate passed SB 392, relating to the personal income tax. This issue has been debated for multiple weeks and the final bill will result in a 5% personal income tax reduction. The bill passed 31-2 and has completed the legislative process. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk.

The Senate passed HB 4765, relating to compensation for teachers, school service personnel and state police. This bill originally provided a 3% pay raise for teachers, school service personnel and state police, while also having a locality pay mechanism after the first year. After debate in both houses, the final bill resulted in a 3% pay increase for these employees. This was part of the public employee pay raise promised by Governor Morrisey. The bill passed 33-1, has completed the legislative process and advances to the Governor’s desk.

The Senate passed HB 4008, relating to business ready sites. A critical part of economic development is developing available sites for new business development. This bill expanded on the Certified Sites and Development Readiness program. It increased the dollar amount for microgrant programs for site development, set forth criteria for site readiness and is designed to help with business attraction. The bill passed 33-1 and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

The Senate passed HB 4009, relating to the Portable Benefit Account Act. This bill is designed to help our independent contractors by creating a mechanism for accumulating benefits over time. The individual accounts can be used for health-related benefits, retirement savings or other worker supports. The key concept is that the benefits remain with the worker even when they change jobs or contracts. The bill passed 34-0 and advances to the Governor’s desk.

The Senate passed HB 4191, relating to the childcare tax credit. Childcare has become a major affordability issue and this bill aims to try and help address the problem. The bill expands tax credit opportunities for employers who provide or sponsor childcare for their employees. The bill passed 31-3 and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

As the 2026 Session concludes, I’m honored and humbled to have the opportunity to represent the Third Senatorial District in the State Senate. I want to personally thank the people of Pleasants, Ritchie, Wood and Wirt counties for allowing me to serve you in this capacity. Everyday has been an opportunity to chart the course for the future of West Virginia and to have the ability to move our state forward. As I seek election this coming May, I hope you will honor me with your vote of confidence to continue serving your interests in Charleston. As always if I can ever be of service, please feel free to reach out. Thank you!

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Senator Trenton C. Barnhart

trenton.barnhart@wvsenate.gov