2025 West Virginia Legislative Session Recap
The 2025 Regular Session of the West Virginia Legislature adjourned on April 12, capping off an intense 60 days of legislative action. Over 2,400 bills were introduced, with 249 passing both chambers and advancing to Governor Patrick Morrisey’s desk for signature.
Legislative Highlights
This year's session brought sweeping changes in several key areas:
- DEI Programs Banned: Senate Bill 474 prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across state agencies and educational institutions.
- Biological Definitions in Law: Senate Bill 456 now defines "male" and "female" based strictly on biological sex at birth, impacting facility access policies.
- Historic Budget Approval: Legislators passed a $5.3 billion General Revenue Budget, with significant supplemental allocations for economic development and infrastructure.
- New Microgrid Initiatives: House Bill 2014 will create opportunities for microgrid development, using both fossil and renewable resources to attract new industries.
While Governor Morrisey was able to move several key items from his agenda, including the DEI ban, he faced headwinds on others like expanding vaccine exemptions. Despite a Republican supermajority, intraparty tensions on budget and policy approaches were visible throughout the session.
How Did the Big I Do This Session?
This will go down as one of the hardest-fought sessions in our Association’s history, and we accomplished a lot by working together.
We are thrilled to report a major defensive win with the defeat of HB 2015, which would have extended the moratorium on BRIM indefinitely. This was a tough, contentious battle, and it was the persistence of our members—your calls, emails, and presence at the Capitol—along with the tireless advocacy of our lobbyist Daniel Hall that turned the tide. You showed up, and it mattered. As a reminder, SB 875 relating to the Board of Risk Management passed in the 2024 Legislative Session, which instituted a moratorium on new or additional property or liability coverage for certain entities. This moratorium expires on July 1, 2025.
We had a huge victory with the passage of HB 3513, which establishes standards of liability and insurance requirements in certain civil actions. This legislation provides clear standards for when a licensee (such as a private club) can be held liable in civil cases involving alcohol-related injuries or damages. It protects businesses from being unfairly sued when they’ve followed the law and taken reasonable precautions (such as checking IDs and not serving visibly intoxicated patrons). It also provides accountability, providing that businesses remain liable in cases where alcohol is knowingly served to minors or clearly intoxicated individuals.
It’s a true game-changer for our industry—and a shining example of what focused, strategic advocacy can accomplish. A special thank you goes to Big I President Suzette Raines Ashley and Young Agents Chair Brady Campbell for their early work getting this legislation drafted and laying the groundwork for its success. And once again, none of this would have been possible without Daniel Hall’s extraordinary efforts at the Capitol.
Other Key Bills Monitored
In addition to our top legislative priorities, the association closely monitored legislation that could have impacted the insurance industry in West Virginia. While these bills did not pass this session, they reflect ongoing policy discussions that we will continue to engage with. A full list of legislation we monitored is available here.
The IIAWV strives to maintain a vigilant legislative lobbying effort on behalf of the independent insurance agent. This is done through dedicated lobbyist representation during each session of the West Virginia Legislature, as well as maintenance of an active political action committee (WAPAC). IIAWV introduces agent legislative initiatives, monitors bills, and maintains an attentive presence on your behalf. In addition, our national association, IIABA maintains a national lobbying effort on behalf of independent agents, maintains a political action committee (InsurPac), and holds an annual legislative conference to meet with Congressional representatives. To keep members informed on current insurance legislative issues, IIAWV members receive weekly News from inside the Capitol updates from IIAWV during the session.
IIAWV also enjoys an outstanding working relationship with the offices of the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner and his staff. Our volunteer leadership meets regularly with the Commissioner and staff to discuss issues of importance to agents, agencies, and their clients.
Daniel Hall Director of Government Affairs
Daniel Hall is our Association lobbyist. His company, Access Strategies, lobbies on our behalf throughout the year and not just during the Legislative Session. He is a native West Virginian, served two terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates before being elected to West Virginia State Senate. During his legislative tenure, he served as chairman for several committees and ultimately as Senate Majority Whip. Prior to joining OMEGA, Hall worked as a State Liaison for the National Rifle Association of America.
Find Your Legislators
The Legislature's website is an excellent resource to find contact information for your local Legislators and the committees on which they serve. Below are links to the member rosters for both the Senate and House.
Members of the West Virginia Senate
Members of the West Virginia House
Visits to Members of the Legislature -During Insurance Day at the Capitol 2026
Our Big I Day at the Capitol Event is coming up January 20 & 21, 2026. More information will be distributed soon! This Main Capitol Building Map, will show you where legislators' offices are located.