HB5203 is a bill in the West Virginia Legislature (2026 Regular Session): To forbid any municipality from issuing an ID for the purpose of voting in a municipal election.

What is the status of HB5203?

Passed one chamber as of February 23, 2026. Latest action: To Judiciary (March 4, 2026).

Who sponsored HB5203?

Chiarelli, Geno (R, 078), with 10 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB5203?

On the West Virginia Legislature website: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/bill_status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5203&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia HB5203: To forbid any municipality from issuing an ID for the purpose of voting in a municipal election

Q: What does HB5203 do?

In its own words: To amend and reenact §3-1-2a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to forbidding a municipality from issuing an ID for the purposes of voting in a municipal election. ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS. §3-1-2a. Municipal elections. (a) Notwithstanding other provisions of this code or of any special legislative or home rule city charter, the provisions (2) Any rules promulgated under authority granted in articles eight and nine of this chapter; and (3) Any provisions of this chapter making a practice or conduct unlawful shall apply to every municipal electi.

Status: Passed one chamber, February 23, 2026

What the bill says

To amend and reenact §3-1-2a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to forbidding a municipality from issuing an ID for the purposes of voting in a municipal election. ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS. §3-1-2a. Municipal elections. (a) Notwithstanding other provisions of this code or of any special legislative or home rule city charter, the provisions (2) Any rules promulgated under authority granted in articles eight and nine of this chapter; and (3) Any provisions of this chapter making a practice or conduct unlawful shall apply to every municipal electi.

From the introduced text, February 5, 2026:

A BILL to amend and reenact §3-1-2a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to forbidding a municipality from issuing an ID for the purposes of voting in a municipal election. ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS. §3-1-2a. Municipal elections. (a) Notwithstanding other provisions of this code or of any special legislative or home rule city charter, the provisions (2) Any rules promulgated under authority granted in articles eight and nine of this chapter; and (3) Any provisions of this chapter making a practice or conduct unlawful shall apply to every municipal election held for any purpose. (b) For purposes (2) The application of articles eight and nine of this chapter; (3) The application of the rules mentioned in this section; and (4) The application of provisions of this chapter making a practice or conduct unlawful, the provisions of law which impose any duty upon or define any offense or prohibition with respect to the duty or authority of a county officer or county election officer or body of county election officers shall be construed to and shall apply with equal force and effect to the person or persons in a municipal election upon whom this code or the city charter or ordinance imposes such duty or vests the same or similar authority. (c) Every municipality shall …

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West Virginia HB5203: To forbid any municipality from issuing an ID for the purpose of voting in a municipal election

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