HB 4819 — Relating to use of criminal records as disqualification from authorization to practice a particular profession
Last action — Chapter 140, Acts, Regular Session, 2026
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✓Introduced
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✓In Committee
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✓Passed House of Delegates
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✓Passed Senate
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✓To Executive
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6Enacted
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 26, 2026. Enacted.
Odds of enactment
High chanceBased on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.
Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.
A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.
Prognosis
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Enacted
Current position in the legislative process.
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4 sponsors
1 primary, 3 co-sponsors signed on.
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Bipartisan support
Sponsored across 2 parties (3 R · 1 D) — cross-party backing.
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Cleared a recorded vote
Passed 3 recorded votes so far.
Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.
In plain language
This bill addresses how criminal records can disqualify individuals from practicing certain professions.
The bill modifies the use of criminal records in determining whether someone can be authorized to practice specific professions. It aims to regulate how these records impact professional licensing decisions.
Summary
Relating to use of criminal records as disqualification from authorization to practice a particular profession
Bill Text
What changed in the latest version
308 added · 298 removedPlain-language change summary
The revised version of House Bill 4819 now specifies that an applicant cannot be disqualified from getting a professional license solely based on a prior criminal conviction unless it directly relates to their job and poses a significant risk to public safety. The changes also removed a requirement for including details about past arrests in background checks. This adjustment is important as it allows more individuals with past convictions a fair chance at employment in various professions, encouraging rehabilitation and reducing barriers to entry for those looking to reintegrate into the workforce.
WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION ENGROSSEDENROLLED House Bill 4819 ByBYD DelegatesELEGATESCROUSE Crouse,, Hornby,ORNBY, Leavitt,EAVIT,AND andYOUNG Young[Passed [IntroducedMarch January12, 26, 2026;
referredin toeffect the90 Committeedays onfrom Governmentpassage Organization](June Eng10, 2026)] Enr HB 4819 AAN BILLACT to amend and reenact §21-1-6, §21-5-5c, §21-14-6, and §21-16-7;
(a) The commissioner may not disqualify an applicant from initial licensure, as required in this chapter, except under §21-5-5c of this code, because of a prior criminal conviction that remains unreversed unless that conviction is for a crime that bears a rational nexus directly and specifically relates to the duties and responsibilities of the activity requiring licensure such that granting the applicant licensure would pose a direct and substantial risk to the public because the applicant has not been rehabilitated.
In determining whether a criminal conviction bears a rational nexus a profession or occupation making its determination, the commissioner shall consider, at a minimum:
Eng HB 4819 (C) A certificate of rehabilitation or good conduct;
Enr HB 4819 (D) Completion of, or active participation in, rehabilitative mental health, drug, or alcohol treatment;
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, if an applicant is disqualified from licensure because of a prior criminal conviction, the commissioner shall permit the applicant to apply for initial licensure if the commissioner may not disqualify an applicant from initial licensure because of a prior criminal conviction if:
(c) An individual with a criminal record who has not previously applied for licensure held a license under this section may petition the commissioner at any time for a determination of whether the individual’s criminal record will disqualify the individual from obtaining a license.
The commissioner shall provide the determination within Eng HB 4819 60 days of receiving the petition from the applicant.
Enr HB 4819 (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, an individual may not be required to disclose, nor may the commissioner consider, an arrest not followed by a conviction in an application for initial licensure or a determination under subsection (c) of this section.
Provided, That the commissioner shall apply §21-1- 6 of this code to determine if the prior criminal may not disqualify an applicant from initial licensure because of a prior felony conviction that remains unreversed unless that conviction is for a crime that bears a rational nexus to practicing as an examiner.
In determining whether a felony Eng HB 4819 conviction bears a rational nexus to the license being sought, the commissioner shall consider at a minimum:
Enr HB 4819 (B) The passage of time since the commission of the crime;
Eng HB 4819 (d) The license to administer psychophysiological detection of deception, lie detector, or similar examinations to any person shall be issued for a period of one year.
Enr HB 4819 (1) "Class I license" which authorizes an individual to administer psychophysiological detection of deception examinations for all purposes which are permissible under the provisions of this article and other applicable laws and rules;
Eng HB 4819 (1) The type and amount of training or schooling necessary for a person before which he or she may be licensed to administer or interpret a psychophysiological detection of deception, lie detector, or similar examination;
Enr HB 4819 (2) Testing requirements, including the designation of the test to be administered to persons applying for licensure;
Provided, That the commissioner shall apply §21-1-6 of this code to determine if whether the prior criminal conviction bears a rational nexus directly and specifically relates to the license being sought.
Eng HB 4819 (2) The licensee subscribed or vouched for a material misstatement in his or her application for licensure;
or Enr HB 4819 (4) The licensee violated any statute of this state, any legislative rule, or any ordinance of any municipality or county of this state which protects the consumer or public against unfair, unsafe, unlawful, or improper business practices.
Provided, That the commissioner shall apply §21-1-6 of this code to determine if whether the prior criminal conviction bears a rational nexus directly and specifically relates to the license being sought.
Eng HB 4819 CHAPTER 29.
Enr HB 4819 §29-3B-4.
When considering whether an applicant possesses the qualifications for the class of license, the State Fire Marshal shall consider whether an applicant's prior criminal convictions bear a rational nexus on directly and specifically relate to the license being sought.
(1) The State Fire Marshal may not disqualify an applicant from initial licensure because of a prior criminal conviction that remains unreversed unless that conviction is for a crime that bears a rational nexus directly and specifically relates to the duties and responsibilities of the activity requiring licensure such that granting the applicant licensure would pose a direct and substantial risk to the public because the applicant has not been rehabilitated.
In determining whether a criminal conviction bears a rational nexus directly and specifically relates to a profession or occupation, the State Fire Marshal shall consider, at a minimum:
and Eng HB 4819 (D) Any evidence of rehabilitation or treatment undertaken by the individual, including the following, if applicable:
Enr HB 4819 (iii) A certificate of rehabilitation or good conduct;
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, ifthe anState applicantFire isMarshal disqualifiedmay not disqualify an applicant from initial licensure because of a prior criminal conviction,conviction the State Fire Marshal shall permit the applicant to apply for initial licensure if:
the State Fire Marshal may not disqualify an applicant from initial licensure because of a prior criminal conviction if:
(3) An individual with a criminal record who has not previously applied for licensure held a license under this section may petition the State Fire Marshal at any time for a determination of Eng HB 4819 whether the individual’s criminal record will disqualify the individual from obtaining a license.
Enr HB 4819 (c) The State Fire Marshal shall propose rules for legislative approval regarding qualifications for testing, issuance of licenses, and renewal in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq.
Eng HB 4819 (a) The State Fire Marshal shall propose rules for legislative approval in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq.
Standards and procedures for certification, including applications, examinations, fees, qualifications, procedures for investigating complaints, Enr HB 4819 revoking or suspending certifications, and for renewing licenses.
The State Fire Marshal is also authorized to may propose emergency rules to implement the provisions of this article:
(c) When considering whether an applicant possesses the qualifications for certification as an electrical inspector, the State Fire Marshal shall consider whether an applicant's prior criminal convictions bear a rational nexus on directly and specifically relate to the certification being sought.
(1) The State Fire Marshal may not disqualify an applicant from initial certification because of a prior criminal conviction that remains unreversed unless that conviction is for a crime that bears a rational nexus directly and specifically relates to the duties and responsibilities of the activity requiring certification such that granting the applicant licensure would pose a direct and substantial risk to the public because the applicant has not been rehabilitated.
In determining whether a criminal conviction bears a rational nexus directly and specifically relates to a profession or occupation, the State Fire Marshal shall consider, at a minimum:
Eng HB 4819 (i) The age of the individual when he or she committed the offense;
Enr HB 4819 (v) Testimonials and recommendations, which may include a progress report from the individual's probation or parole officer;
Show all 65 changed lines (25 more)
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, if an applicant is disqualified from certification because of a prior criminal conviction, the State Fire Marshal shall permit the applicant to apply for initial certification if the State Fire Marshal may not disqualify an applicant from initial licensure because of a prior criminal conviction if:
(3) An individual with a criminal record who has not previously applied for held a certification under this section may petition the State Fire Marshal at any time for a determination of whether the individual’s criminal record will disqualify the individual from obtaining a certification.
This petition shall include sufficient details about the individual’s criminal record to Eng HB 4819 enable the State Fire Marshal to identify the jurisdiction where the conviction occurred, the date of the conviction, and the specific nature of the conviction.
Enr HB 4819 (e) The State Fire Marshal shall update his or her licensure forms, other relevant public- facing documents, and website to explain the requirements of this section, including, but not limited to, the availability of the process set forth in §29-3C-4(c)(3) of this code.
When considering whether an applicant possesses the qualifications for a license, the State Fire Marshal shall consider whether an applicant's prior criminal convictions bear a rational nexus on directly and specifically relate to the license being sought.
(1) The State Fire Marshal may not disqualify an applicant from initial licensure because of a prior criminal conviction that remains unreversed unless that conviction is for a crime that bears a rational nexus directly and specifically relates to the duties and responsibilities of the activity requiring licensure such that granting the applicant licensure would pose a direct and substantial risk to the public because the applicant has not been rehabilitated.
In determining whether a criminal conviction bears a rational nexus directly and specifically relates to a profession or occupation, the State Fire Marshal shall consider, at a minimum:
Eng HB 4819 (C) The relationship of the crime to the ability, capacity, and fitness required to perform the duties and discharge the responsibilities of the profession or occupation;
Enr HB 4819 (iv) Completion of, or active participation in, rehabilitative mental health, drug, or alcohol treatment;
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, ifthe anState applicantFire isMarshal disqualifiedmay not disqualify an applicant from initial licensure because of a prior criminal conviction,conviction the State Fire Marshal shall permit the applicant to apply for initial licensure if:
the State Fire Marshal may not disqualify an applicant from initial licensure because of a prior criminal conviction if:
Eng HB 4819 (3) An individual with a criminal record who has not previously applied for licensure held a license under this section may petition the State Fire Marshal at any time for a determination of whether the individual’s criminal record will disqualify the individual from obtaining a license.
Enr HB 4819 (1) The license was granted upon an application or documents supporting the application which materially misstated the terms of the applicant’s qualifications or experience;
15Enr HB 4819 The Clerk of the House of Delegates and the Clerk of the Senate hereby certify that the foregoing bill is correctly enrolled.
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Clerk of the House of Delegates ...............................................................
Clerk of the Senate Originated in the House of Delegates.
In effect 90 days from passage.
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Speaker of the House of Delegates ...............................................................
President of the Senate __________ The within is ................................................
this the...........................................
Day of ..........................................................................................................., 2026.
.............................................................
Governor 17
Show all 65 changed rows (25 more)
View plain text versions (4)
- Enrolled Enrolled Version Current pdf
- Engrossed Engrossed Version pdf
- hb4819 hgo am _! adopted.htm View text html
- Introduced Introduced Version pdf
Action History
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Filed for introduction
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To Government Organization
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Introduced in House
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To House Government Organization
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Markup Discussion
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With amendment, do pass
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On 1st reading, Special Calendar
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Read 1st time
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On 2nd reading, Special Calendar
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Read 2nd time
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Amendment reported by the Clerk
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Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)
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On 3rd reading, Special Calendar
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Read 3rd time
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Passed House (Roll No. 146)
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Communicated to Senate
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Introduced in Senate
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To Government Organization
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To Government Organization
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Reported do pass
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Immediate consideration
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Read 1st time
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On 2nd reading
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Read 2nd time
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On 3rd reading
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Read 3rd time
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Passed Senate (Roll No. 493)
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Communicated to House
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Completed legislative action
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House received Senate message
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To Governor 3/25/2026
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To Governor 3/25/2026 - Senate Journal
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Approved by Governor 3/27/2026
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Approved by Governor 3/27/2026 - House Journal
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Approved by Governor 3/27/2026 - Senate Journal
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Chapter 140, Acts, Regular Session, 2026
Sponsors
- Kathie Hess Crouse · Primary
- Michael Hornby · Cosponsor
- Tristan Leavitt · Cosponsor
- Kayla Young · Cosponsor
Sponsorship breakdown
Export CSV (upgrade) →1 sponsors · 3 co-sponsors · 148 not signed on
Sponsors (1)
- Kathie Hess Crouse Republican
Co-sponsors (3)
- Michael Hornby Republican
- Tristan Leavitt Republican
- Kayla Young Democrat
Not signed on (148)
148 members have not signed on to this bill.
Show all 148 →"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.
Votes
Roll call published as PDF — view source.
Roll call published as PDF — view source.
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | 85 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Democrat | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unaffiliated | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 96 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| % of votes cast | 96% | 0% | 0% | 4% |
How each member voted (100)
| Member | Party | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Flanigan | — | Yea |
| Linville | — | Yea |
| Kump | — | Not Voting |
| Anitra Hamilton | Democrat | Yea |
| Evan Hansen | Democrat | Yea |
| Hollis Lewis | Democrat | Yea |
| John Williams | Democrat | Yea |
| Kayla Young | Democrat | Yea |
| Mike Pushkin | Democrat | Yea |
| Rick Garcia | Democrat | Yea |
| Sean Hornbuckle | Democrat | Yea |
| Shawn Fluharty | Democrat | Yea |
| Adam Burkhammer | Republican | Yea |
| Adam Vance | Republican | Yea |
| Andy Shamblin | Republican | Yea |
| Betsy Kelly | Republican | Yea |
| Bill Bell | Republican | Yea |
| Bill Ridenour | Republican | Yea |
| Bob Fehrenbacher | Republican | Yea |
| Bryan Smith | Republican | Not Voting |
| Bryan Ward | Republican | Yea |
| Carl "Bill" Roop | Republican | Yea |
| Carl Martin | Republican | Yea |
| Charles Sheedy | Republican | Yea |
| Chris Phillips | Republican | Yea |
| Christopher W. Toney | Republican | Yea |
| Chuck Horst | Republican | Yea |
| Clay Riley | Republican | Yea |
| D. Rolland Jennings | Republican | Yea |
| Dana Ferrell | Republican | Yea |
| Dave Foggin | Republican | Yea |
| David Cannon | Republican | Yea |
| David Green | Republican | Yea |
| David McCormick | Republican | Yea |
| Dean Jeffries | Republican | Yea |
| Doug Smith | Republican | Yea |
| Elias Coop-Gonzalez | Republican | Yea |
| Eric Brooks | Republican | Yea |
| Erica Moore | Republican | Yea |
| Evan Worrell | Republican | Yea |
| Gary G. Howell | Republican | Yea |
| Geno Chiarelli | Republican | Yea |
| George Miller | Republican | Yea |
| George Street | Republican | Yea |
| Gregory A. Watt | Republican | Yea |
| Guy Ward | Republican | Yea |
| Henry Dillon | Republican | Yea |
| Ian T. Masters | Republican | Yea |
| James Robert "JB" Akers II | Republican | Yea |
| Jarred Cannon | Republican | Yea |
| Jeff Campbell | Republican | Yea |
| Jeff Eldridge | Republican | Yea |
| Jeffrey Stephens | Republican | Yea |
| Jim Butler | Republican | Yea |
| Jimmy Willis | Republican | Yea |
| Joe Ellington | Republican | Yea |
| Joe Funkhouser | Republican | Yea |
| Joe Parsons | Republican | Yea |
| Joe Statler | Republican | Yea |
| John Jordan | Republican | Yea |
| John Paul Hott | Republican | Yea |
| Jonathan Kyle | Republican | Yea |
| Jonathan Pinson | Republican | Yea |
| Jordan Bridges | Republican | Yea |
| Jordan Maynor | Republican | Yea |
| Josh Holstein | Republican | Yea |
| Kathie Hess Crouse | Republican | Yea |
| Keith Marple | Republican | Yea |
| Laura Kimble | Republican | Yea |
| Lisa White | Republican | Yea |
| Lori Dittman | Republican | Yea |
| Margitta Mazzocchi | Republican | Yea |
| Mark Dean | Republican | Yea |
| Mark Zatezalo | Republican | Yea |
| Marshall W. Clay | Republican | Yea |
| Marty Gearheart | Republican | Yea |
| Matthew Rohrbach | Republican | Yea |
| Michael Amos | Republican | Yea |
| Michael Hite | Republican | Yea |
| Michael Hornby | Republican | Yea |
| Mickey Petitto | Republican | Yea |
| Pat McGeehan | Republican | Not Voting |
| Patrick Lucas | Republican | Yea |
| Phil Mallow | Republican | Yea |
| Ray Canterbury | Republican | Yea |
| Rick Hillenbrand | Republican | Yea |
| Roger Hanshaw | Republican | Yea |
| Roy Cooper | Republican | Yea |
| Ryan Browning | Republican | Yea |
| S. Chris Anders | Republican | Yea |
| Sarah Drennan | Republican | Yea |
| Scot C. Heckert | Republican | Yea |
| Stanley Adkins | Republican | Yea |
| Tresa Howell | Republican | Yea |
| Tristan Leavitt | Republican | Not Voting |
| Vacant1 | Republican | Yea |
| Vernon Criss | Republican | Yea |
| Walter Hall | Republican | Yea |
| Wayne Clark | Republican | Yea |
| William Anderson | Republican | Yea |
Subjects
Frequently asked questions
- What does HB 4819 do?
- Relating to use of criminal records as disqualification from authorization to practice a particular profession
- Who sponsors HB 4819?
- HB 4819 is sponsored by Kathie Hess Crouse (Republican), Michael Hornby (Republican), Tristan Leavitt (Republican), and Kayla Young (Democrat).
- What is the current status of HB 4819?
- This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 26, 2026. Enacted.
- Where can I track HB 4819?
- Track HB 4819 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.
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