SB981 is a bill in the West Virginia Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Imposing one-year moratorium on approval of certain public utility rate increases.

What is the status of SB981?

In committee as of March 4, 2026. Latest action: Removed from calendar by Rules Committee (March 4, 2026).

Chapman, Laura Wakim (R, 01), with 5 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB981?

On the West Virginia Legislature website: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/bill_status/Bills_history.cfm?input=981&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia SB981: Imposing one-year moratorium on approval of certain public utility rate increases

Q: What does SB981 do?

In its own words: To amend and reenact §24-1-2 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new article, designated §24-2B-1, §24-2B-2, §24-2B-3, and §24-2B-4, relating to recommending a one-year moratorium on approval of certain public utility rate increases; defining terms; articulating legislative findings and purpose; requiring comprehensive study on methods and means to reduce certain utility rates; and requiring report on findings, conclusions, and recommendations of study. ARTICLE 1. general provisions. §24-1-2. Definitions. Except where a different meaning cle.

Status: In committee, March 4, 2026

What the bill says

To amend and reenact §24-1-2 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new article, designated §24-2B-1, §24-2B-2, §24-2B-3, and §24-2B-4, relating to recommending a one-year moratorium on approval of certain public utility rate increases; defining terms; articulating legislative findings and purpose; requiring comprehensive study on methods and means to reduce certain utility rates; and requiring report on findings, conclusions, and recommendations of study. ARTICLE 1. general provisions. §24-1-2. Definitions. Except where a different meaning cle.

From the engrossed text, February 26, 2026:

A BILL to amend and reenact §24-1-2 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new article, designated §24-2B-1, §24-2B-2, §24-2B-3, and §24-2B-4, relating to recommending a one-year moratorium on approval of certain public utility rate increases; defining terms; articulating legislative findings and purpose; requiring comprehensive study on methods and means to reduce certain utility rates; and requiring report on findings, conclusions, and recommendations of study. ARTICLE 1. general provisions. §24-1-2. Definitions. Except where a different meaning clearly appears from the context As used in this chapter, the following words when used in this chapter, shall mean and phrases have the meanings ascribed to them unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning: "Commission" or "Public Service Commission" means the Public Service Commission of West Virginia. "Customer" means any person, firm, corporation, municipality, public service district, or any other entity who purchases a product or services of any utility and shall include includes any person, firm, corporation, municipality, public service district, or any other entity who that purchases the services or product for resale. "Governing body" means the municipal body charged with the authority and responsibility of enacting ordinances of the municipality, as defined in §8-1-2 of this code, or a public service board of a public service district, as defined …

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West Virginia SB981: Imposing one-year moratorium on approval of certain public utility rate increases

What the bill says

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