After 60 days of committee meetings, debates, and floor votes, the 2025 regular session of the West Virginia Legislature has officially come to a close. The final gavel fell at midnight on Saturday, marking the end of a session that, depending on who you ask, was either productive or a letdown.
Throughout the session, I was often asked how I’d grade the Legislature’s performance on key policy issues. I gave answers—but in hindsight, I realize the real judgment belongs to the public. You’re the ones who elected these officials, and you’re the ones who will decide whether they’ve addressed the issues that matter most to you.
All 100 House members and half the Senate—17 of 34 seats—will be up for re-election in 2026. They’ll have another 60-day session before then to show voters they’re listening.
Behind the Numbers
A whopping 2,460 bills were introduced this session. While final tallies were still being counted as of Saturday afternoon, more than 200 bills were expected to make it through the process—fewer than in past years, where 275 to 350 bills typically pass.
But House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, reminded us in January not to judge the session by quantity. The quality of legislation matters more.
What Got Done?
Some movement was seen in areas like child welfare. One example is House Bill 2123, which increases criminal penalties for child abuse by a parent or guardian. But many other bills aimed at helping the foster care system never made it past committee.
On the topic of substance use disorder, there was Senate Bill 196—known as Lauren’s Law—that increases penalties for drug kingpins and major traffickers. It’s a step, but critics argue that cracking down on supply won’t fix the deeper issue of demand.
When it comes to economic development, House Bill 2014 stood out. It aims to attract microgrids and data centers to West Virginia. While it’s unclear how much real impact it will have, the fact that such legislation is being debated signals a willingness to compete for tech-sector growth.
What Didn’t Happen?
Of course, not every idea made it through the process. Important proposals stalled in committee rooms without a hearing. Some bills—especially those with broad support—passed unanimously or nearly so, but their effects might go unnoticed by the general public. That doesn’t mean they don’t matter, but it raises the question: will the changes they bring be meaningful to everyday West Virginians?
The Role of the Media
Lawmakers often criticize the media for focusing on controversial issues. But the truth is, those issues—like repealing certificate of need laws, school-vaccine exemptions, transgender rights, and DEI programs—were pushed forward by legislators themselves. They dominated committee agendas and debates.
We report on what happens, and these were the topics that consumed the most time and attention.
As for coverage balance, some have accused reporters of favoring Democrats. But there are only 11 Democrats left in the Legislature—two in the Senate and nine in the House. When they speak, it’s newsworthy, especially since they’re often the only ones offering a counterpoint.
Ironically, many Republicans rarely speak in-depth about their own bills, making it harder to give readers a fuller understanding of their goals. One bright spot has been the new House committee structure, which gives more time to lead sponsors to explain their proposals.
And let’s not forget: Republicans control both chambers of the Legislature and the Governor’s office. Naturally, they receive the bulk of media attention because they’re the ones steering the ship.
Looking Ahead
Whether you think this session was a step forward or a missed opportunity, the story of West Virginia’s legislative future is still being written. Lawmakers have one more session before the 2026 elections to make their case to voters.
As a reporter, I’ll keep following the story—and I thank you for reading and caring about what happens at the Capitol. Keeping government accountable starts with paying attention.
In the end, the question isn’t just what got passed. It’s whether what passed truly moves the state forward.
