West Virginia 2026 Session Status: Introduced 1 R cosponsors

SB 961 — Relating to rule-making policies

Last action — To Finance

  1. 1
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House of Delegates
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2026 Session. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there are no live odds of enactment. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Relating to rule-making policies

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

21 added · 22 removed

Plain-language change summary

The bill SB 961 has been revised to enhance the rule-making process by requiring executive agencies to identify at least two existing rules for repeal each time they propose a new rule. Additionally, the language has been adjusted to use “rules” instead of “regulations” for consistency. These changes aim to streamline regulations and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, making it easier for both agencies and the public to understand and navigate state rules.

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WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION Introduced Senate Bill 961 By Senator Willis [Introduced February 17, 2026;
CS for SB 961 WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 961 By Senators Willis and Thorne [Reported February 20, 2026, from the Committee on the Judiciary] CS for SB 961 A BILL to amend and reenact §29A-3-20 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to rule-making policies;
referred to the Committee on the Judiciary;
providing that for every new rule proposed, at least two prior rules be identified for repeal;
and then to the Committee on Finance] Intr SB 961 2026R4137 A BILL to amend and reenact §29A-3-20 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to rule-making policies;
and eliminating the 2017 and 2020 reports to the Legislative Rule- Making Review Committee.
and providing that for every new regulation issued, at least two prior regulations be identified for elimination.
Executive review of agency rules, guidelines, policies and recommendations.
Executive review of agency rules, guidelines, policies, and recommendations.
(1) Review and evaluate all state rules, guidelines, policies and recommendations under their jurisdiction that have similar federal rules, guidelines, policies and recommendations;
(1) Review and evaluate all state rules, guidelines, policies, and recommendations under their jurisdiction that have similar federal rules, guidelines, policies, and recommendations;
(3) Provide for a comment period for all rules, guidelines, policies and recommendations;
(3) Provide for a comment period for all rules, guidelines, policies, and recommendations;
(2) A determination of whether the rule should continue without change, be modified or Intr SB 2026R4137 repealed;
1 CS for SB 961 (2) A determination of whether the rule should continue without change, be modified or repealed;
(c) Unless prohibited by law, whenever an executive agency publicly proposes for notice and comment or otherwise promulgates a new regulation, it shall identify at least two existing regulations to be repealed.
(b) Unless prohibited by law, whenever an executive agency publicly proposes for notice and comment or otherwise promulgates a new rule, it shall make a good faith effort to identify at least two existing rules that may be considered for repeal by the legislature in accordance with §29A-3-1a and §29A-3A-2a of this code.
NOTE:
The purpose of this bill is that for every one new regulation issued, at least two prior regulations be identified for elimination.
Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.
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Action History

  1. Filed for introduction

  2. To Judiciary then Finance

  3. Introduced in Senate

  4. To Judiciary

  5. Committee substitute reported, but first to Finance

  6. To Finance

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 2 co-sponsors · 149 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

  • Willis

Co-sponsors (2)

Not signed on (149)

149 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"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.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

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Frequently asked questions

What does SB 961 do?
Relating to rule-making policies
Who sponsors SB 961?
SB 961 is sponsored by Willis, Tarr, and Darren Thorne (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 961?
This bill died with 2026 Session. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track SB 961?
Track SB 961 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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