West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia SB1053: Authorizing Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund to modernize and enhance WorkForce West Virginia
Status: Signed into law, April 1, 2026
What the bill says
An act to amend and reenact §21A-5-5 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new section, designated §21A-9-10, relating to authorizing an Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund to be used to modernize and enhance WorkForce West Virginia automation and initiatives; directing temporary seven percent reduction of employer contributions to the Unemployment Compensation Fund; requiring payment of an annual unemployment automation and administration fee into the Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund; terminating collections of fees and re.
From the enrolled text, March 14, 2026:
AN ACT to amend and reenact §21A-5-5 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new section, designated §21A-9-10, relating to authorizing an Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund to be used to modernize and enhance WorkForce West Virginia automation and initiatives; directing temporary seven percent reduction of employer contributions to the Unemployment Compensation Fund; requiring payment of an annual unemployment automation and administration fee into the Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund; terminating collections of fees and reimposition of full employer contributions upon occurrence of certain events; limiting said deposits when the Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund reaches $18 million in a given fiscal year or when balance of the Unemployment Compensation Fund falls below $300 million; authorizing Commissioner of WorkForce West Virginia to disburse funds from Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund to modernize unemployment compensation system, upgrade job search system, cover essential administrative costs, and engage in additional initiatives designed to bolster workforce development initiatives; authorizing rulemaking; requiring compliance with federal law; and establishing an effective date. ARTICLE 5. EMPLOYER COVERAGE AND RESPONSIBILITY. §21A-5-5. Rate of contribution. (a) On or after January 1, 1941, an employer shall make payments to the unemployment compensation fund equal to two and seven-tenths percent of wages paid by him or her with respect to employment …