As families hunted for Easter eggs on the Capitol lawn, West Virginia lawmakers scrambled to complete their work before the midnight deadline of the 2025 regular session. After 60 days of debate, negotiation, and compromise, the state House and Senate adjourned with 246 bills headed to Governor Patrick Morrisey’s desk—about 10% of the total 2,460 bills introduced.
Powering the Future: House Bill 2014
One of the most debated bills was House Bill 2014, the Power Generation and Consumption Act. Pushed by Governor Morrisey, the bill is designed to make West Virginia a top destination for data centers and other energy-heavy industries.
The legislation creates special microgrid zones that can use both fossil fuels and renewable energy. It also streamlines permitting, offers tax incentives, and sets up an Electric Grid Stabilization and Security Fund. However, some lawmakers voiced concerns about local governments losing control over zoning laws.
“This shows the world that West Virginia has the energy, the location, and the grit,” said Delegate Clay Riley, R-Harrison. “Let us compete, and we will win.”
The House and Senate went back and forth amending the tax distribution formula before finally passing the bill Saturday night. It now awaits the governor’s signature.
SB 299: Tightening Transgender Care Rules
Senate Bill 299 was another controversial piece of legislation. It aims to tighten restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors, closing loopholes left open by a 2023 law.
The bill bans puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender reassignment treatments for those under 18, with very few exceptions. It also prohibits doctors from prescribing such treatments via telehealth. Violations could result in loss of medical licenses.
Supporters argue the bill protects children, while critics, including some Republican lawmakers, fear it may cause psychological harm by cutting off needed medical support too abruptly.
“What I was trying to do was help kids,” said Delegate Bill Flanigan, R-Ohio, who proposed a failed amendment to delay the bill’s effective date. “You know what’s worse than not being able to have children? A child dying by suicide.”
Physician and Delegate Michael Amos, R-Wayne, said around 100 minors are currently receiving such care. “This is the furthest thing from helping them,” he warned.
SB 474: DEI Programs on the Chopping Block
Senate Bill 474, which eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public schools and government offices, sparked fierce debate. The House passed it 87-12, and after some procedural maneuvering, the Senate followed suit just minutes before the session ended.
The bill bans DEI offices and training programs, redistributes DEI funds to student aid and tuition reduction, and requires public institutions to report on how they’ve eliminated DEI activities. It also addresses preferred gender pronouns in schools and asserts that any hiring must be race- and sex-neutral.
“This mirrors legislation passed in 12 other states,” said Delegate Joe Ellington, R-Mercer. “We’re simply following a growing national trend.”
Opponents, including the House’s only three Black lawmakers, warned the bill could whitewash history and limit opportunities for underrepresented groups.
“DEI has never been about skipping the line—it’s about giving qualified people a fair shot,” said House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell.
Delegate Anitra Hamilton, D-Monongalia, added, “Without DEI, we keep losing the real race—the race to grow, to include, to evolve.”
Senator Joey Garcia, D-Marion, had 15 amendments ready for SB 474, but time ran out before they could be heard. “People are watching us all around the state,” he said. “And I’d like to know what’s going on.”
Despite opposition, SB 474 now heads to the governor and is expected to become law. It cements a January executive order by Gov. Morrisey and marks a clear shift in the state’s public policy.
A Historic Finish
Governor Morrisey called HB 2014 “historic” and praised lawmakers for delivering what he considers one of the most important economic development bills in state history. “We’re ready to grow our economy, lower income taxes, and give the next generation a shot at success,” he said.
With key bills on energy infrastructure, transgender health care, and diversity policy now passed, West Virginia’s 2025 session wraps up with big changes ahead—and no shortage of debate about what comes next.
