West Virginia transportation laws

What it would do: Creates the West Virginia Short Line Railroad Modernization Act, allowing Class II and III railroads and rail siding owners to claim nonrefundable tax credits equal to 50% of qualified maintenance expenditures (capped at $5,000 per mile annually) or 50% of new infrastructure expenditures (capped at $2,000,000 per project, $5,000,000 annually).

What it would do: Requires railroad companies to coordinate road closures with the Division of Highways through a memorandum of understanding. Requires railroad companies to provide temporary alternate entry and exit for emergency vehicles during maintenance over six hours, and for all vehicles during maintenance over 24 hours, when a road is the sole entry and exit for residents.

What it would do: Allows reinstatement of a commercial driver's license without retaking exams if the license was downgraded or suspended solely due to expired medical certification, provided the lapse does not exceed 10 years and the applicant meets current medical and other requirements.

What it would do: Creates a refundable tax credit for West Virginia businesses operating qualified distribution centers, allowing a dollar-for-dollar credit for toll payments above $150,000 paid through the EZ Pass system for ground transportation of finished goods, effective July 1, 2026.

What it would do: Requires nonresident commercial driver's license holders to possess a valid work visa, provide proof of citizenship, and demonstrate English language proficiency. Imposes $3,000 fines on carriers and up to $1,000 or 90 days jail for drivers in violation. Allows Commissioner to adopt FMCSA military skills test waiver and permit first responders to obtain CDL without skills testing.

What it would do: Requires railroad companies to enter into memoranda of understanding with the Division of Highways regarding temporary state road closures and to provide temporary alternate entry and exit methods for emergency medical service vehicles when maintenance, repairs, or construction exceed 24 hours on a road serving as the sole entry and exit way.

What it would do: Amends West Virginia law to require that any person issued a commercial driver's license must be able to speak and read the English language.

What it would do: Requires the commissioner to adopt rules mandating that state employees with a commercial driver's license maintain current medical evaluation certification and prohibits such employees from receiving medical waivers from this requirement.

What it would do: Amends the sales and use tax exemption for qualified warehouse or distribution facility purchases by lowering the required job creation threshold from 300 to 50 full-time West Virginia employees, effective for purchases made in taxable years beginning January 1, 2026.

What it would do: Authorizes the Division of Highways to promulgate a legislative rule relating to the transportation of hazardous wastes upon the roads and highways, specifically the rule filed in the State Register on July 23, 2024.