Patrick Morrisey

Morrisey announced the results of three independent audits of state agencies on Monday, which identified a $40 million deficit in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program within the Department of Human Services. According to Morrisey, the audit revealed that a federal TANF grant of $100 million was insufficient to cover projected spending of $140 million. Morrisey attributed the deficit to decisions made during the COVID-19 pandemic when temporary federal funds were allocated to permanently increase baseline expenditures for state programs.

Morrisey announced the availability of more than $60 million in funding through West Virginia's Rural Health Transformation Program, the first distribution from a nearly $200 million federal award for 2026. The five-year award guarantees a minimum of $100 million annually and was included in legislation passed the previous summer to address potential state losses from Medicare and Medicaid reductions. Morrisey made the announcement at WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg on May 15, 2026.

Morrisey announced the Hope Pathways Program on May 14, 2026, a partnership between Hope Gas, Logan County Schools, the West Virginia Board of Education, and the Department of Education. The program allows students at Ralph R. Willis Career and Technical Education Center to earn energy industry certifications while completing high school graduation requirements beginning in the next school year. The initiative provides Logan County students access to career pathways in the utilities and energy sector.

Morrisey filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia in the case Miranda Guzman v. State Department of Education, which concerns the state's school vaccination requirements. The case was brought after Raleigh County Circuit Court Judge Michael Froble issued a permanent injunction against the Board of Education, finding that the Equal Protection for Religion Act applies to West Virginia's vaccine mandate, which currently requires vaccinations for chickenpox, hepatitis-b, measles, meningitis, mumps, diphtheria, polio, rubella, tetanus, and whooping cough with only medical exemptions permitted. The Supreme Court of Appeals agreed to review the lower court's order in December 2025.

Morrisey ceremonially signed House Bill 4712, known as Baylea's Law, on Friday morning in Beckley on May 8, 2026. The legislation increases penalties for driving under the influence causing death and was named in honor of Baylea Craig Bower, a 25-year-old Boone County woman killed by an impaired driver on Easter morning in 2023. The House Judiciary Committee advanced the bill days after Destiny Lester was sentenced in Raleigh County in connection with Bower's death.

Morrisey signed a joint agreement with Assistant Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Adams on May 7, 2026, to enroll West Virginia in the Home For Every Child initiative, a national foster care improvement program. West Virginia became the 19th state to join the initiative, which was established under President Donald Trump's executive order Fostering the Future for American Children and Families issued in November 2025. The program aims to decrease the number of children in foster care and improve outcomes within the state's child welfare system.

Governor Morrisey announced that West Virginia has patched more than 18,000 miles of potholes since January 2026, with a goal to complete repairs by the end of May. The state implemented increased penalties for traffic violations in work zones through House Bill 4538, raising fines to up to $1,000 for serious violations including speeding and distracted driving. These measures were presented as part of a broader road safety and infrastructure initiative.

Morrisey conducted a ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 570 on April 23, 2026, at Princeton Community Hospital in Mercer County. The legislation authorizes the West Virginia Department of Health to receive approximately $200 million in federal Rural Health Transformation Program funds, a program established through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act the previous year. The funds are designated to support rural health programs and enable healthcare facilities and providers throughout the state to improve care delivery.

Morrisey held a press conference at the Kanawha County Emergency Operations Center on April 22, 2026, following a chemical leak at Catalyst Refiners between Nitro and Institute that resulted in two deaths and approximately 30 hospitalizations. He announced that all road closures and shelter-in-place orders had been lifted and stated that investigations would be conducted at both state and federal levels in the coming days. Morrisey indicated that the state was still gathering information about the incident at the time of the press conference.

Morrisey signed House Bill 5438 on March 27, 2026, with a ceremonial signing at Gihon Elementary School in Parkersburg on April 20, 2026. The bill modifies the public school funding formula to direct state education money toward instructional programs, technology, and teacher and leadership development, with an effective date of July 1, 2026. Morrisey stated that the legislation addresses the historical treatment of technology and literacy in school funding allocations.

Morrisey issued a proclamation on April 17, 2026, designating Autism Awareness Month in West Virginia. The proclamation was announced alongside representatives of the Mountaineer Autism Project, a nonprofit organization that provides evidence-based assessments and treatments for autism to state residents. The proclamation drew attention to workforce shortages in behavioral health services and limited access to autism treatment across the state.

Morrisey signed Senate Bill 1060, which creates the West Virginia Certified Thoroughbred program and takes effect in June 2026. The program allows horses that have resided in West Virginia for at least six months to compete for increased purse winnings at state racetracks. Morrisey stated the legislation was intended to increase racing activity, purses, tourism, and economic benefits to the Eastern Panhandle region.

Governor Morrisey signed a new program designed to improve communications between law enforcement and people with disabilities in West Virginia. The program was announced as part of state efforts to enhance interactions between public safety officials and residents with disabilities. The initiative represents an addition to existing law enforcement protocols in the state.

Governor Morrisey vetoed twelve bills on March 19, 2026, after the West Virginia Legislature's 60-day session concluded on March 14. The vetoed bills included SB 558, SB 649, SB 672, SB 697, SB 705, SB 744, HB 4002, HB 4393, HB 4626, HB 4730, HB 4893, and HB 5074, with six originating from each chamber of the legislature. The bills addressed various subjects including state funding for ibogaine drug trials and the Division of Highways' authority over road access.

Morrisey called a national tourism award received by West Virginia part of the state's comeback story. The award was announced during a week in which legislation creating a new Office of Entrepreneurship was signed into law, with an official opening date of July 1. The office was designed to assist prospective business owners in establishing new enterprises.

Governor Morrisey signed Senate Bill 878 into law on Wednesday, legislation that establishes the West Virginia Office of Entrepreneurship. The new office, which will operate under the Secretary of State's authority beginning July 1, is designed to provide support to small business owners and entrepreneurs launching new ventures or expanding existing businesses. The office will assist with guidance on licensing, taxes, loans, and grants during the startup process.

Governor Morrisey signed House Bill 2014, legislation passed by the legislature that permits large microgrid developments to operate as independent utilities. The bill was enacted to facilitate industrial development requiring significant power infrastructure. The legislation enabled Nscale, a London-based technology company, to secure a deal with Microsoft to construct an advanced artificial intelligence data center on the Monarch Compute Campus in Mason County, with operations expected to begin by late 2027.

Morrisey proposed a 10% income tax cut in his budget for West Virginia in 2026. The House of Delegates passed an amended version of Senate Bill 392 that included a 5% income tax cut as proposed by Morrisey. The tax cut proceeded outside of the automatic trigger mechanism established by a 2023 law that reduced state income tax by more than 20 percent.

Morrisey signed Senate Bill 250, the state budget bill, during the 2026 legislative session. In a press release issued Thursday night, Morrisey highlighted several key priorities that were included in the budget legislation. The signing occurred as the West Virginia Legislature moved toward the conclusion of its regular session on March 14, 2026.

Governor Morrisey signed Senate Bill 250, the 2026-2027 state budget bill, on March 13, 2026, with twelve line-item vetoes. The vetoes included corrections for drafting errors and reductions in specific spending areas, with the most substantial being a $400,000 reduction to the Court Appointed Special Advocate program. The signed budget allocated $276 million to fully fund the Hope Scholarship program and an additional $125 million toward state roads.

Morrisey requested a waiver to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that would remove sugary drinks from the foods that SNAP recipients could purchase. A national group subsequently sued the Trump administration challenging the SNAP waivers, including the one granted to West Virginia. Morrisey's office stated that the state is confident in the legality of its efforts and will continue working with federal partners to defend the waiver initiatives.

The House Finance Committee advanced Senate Bill 570, which appropriates approximately $200 million from the federal Rural Health Transformation fund to the state Department of Health, during its final meeting of the session. Governor Morrisey's director of policy, Curtis Capehart, detailed the allocation of funds across seven programs including Connected Care grid, Rural Health Link, Mountain State Care Force, Smart Care Catalyst, the Health To Prosperity Pipeline, the Personal Health Accelerator, and Health Tech Appalachia. The bill represented one of Morrisey's fiscal priorities being processed through the legislature as lawmakers finalized the state budget.

Governor Patrick Morrisey expressed frustration with delays in legislative action required to access federal Rural Health Transformation funds totaling more than $199 million for West Virginia. Morrisey stated that the West Virginia Legislature had not yet passed necessary legislation to receive and appropriate the funds despite the state's proximity to implementation. The governor first called for legislative action on the federal funds during a February 24 press conference and reiterated the need for immediate passage near the end of the legislative session.

Senate Bill 250 passed both chambers of the West Virginia legislature on March 5, 2026, and was transmitted to Governor Patrick Morrisey for consideration. The bill appropriates $21.5 billion in revenue collections and spending authority while providing a 5 percent personal income tax cut and a 3 percent average pay raise for state employees. The legislation also maintains funding for higher education at previously proposed levels, restores arts funding, allocates $297 million for the HOPE Scholarship, increases Medicaid funding by approximately $28 million above current year levels, and funds the Office of Flood Resiliency at $5 million.

Governor Morrisey's administration expanded eligibility for the Hope Scholarship program, West Virginia's school voucher initiative, to include all kindergarten through twelfth grade students beginning March 2, 2026. Previously, the program required students to be enrolled in public school for at least 45 days before qualifying; the expansion removed this requirement and allowed existing nonpublic school and homeschool students to apply. The Hope Scholarship provides financial assistance to qualifying families for educational expenses including tuition, homeschool curriculum, and other approved costs.

Governor Morrisey signed Senate Bills 393 and 400 in a ceremony at the governor's office on March 2, 2026, to conform West Virginia's state tax code to federal tax provisions established in the One Big Beautiful Bill passed by Congress. The legislation aligned state tax definitions and rules with federal changes, including modifications to the charitable giving deduction for single filers and adjustments to the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Morrisey stated the bills would allow West Virginia residents to receive federal tax benefits without duplication or confusion in state filings.

Governor Morrisey signed the state's first High Impact Intelligence Center designation on February 26, 2026, authorizing Penzance Management to develop a $4 billion intelligence center in the Falling Waters District of Berkeley County. The project is expected to create approximately 1,000 construction jobs and occupy 1.9 million square feet across 548 acres. Morrisey attributed the center's selection to West Virginia's business environment, citing House Bill 2014 and House Bill 2002, both signed into law in April 2025, as foundational legislation supporting infrastructure and energy access.

Governor Morrisey submitted a proposed budget to the West Virginia Legislature in January 2026 that included a 5% personal income tax cut and full funding for the Hope Scholarship program, and subsequently urged lawmakers to enact an additional 5% tax cut for a combined 10% reduction. Morrisey stated his rationale for the tax cut proposal was to address affordability challenges and maintain competitive positioning relative to neighboring states. The governor's budget proposal also called for full funding of school choice programs, protection of healthcare and public safety services, and measures to strengthen the state's long-term competitiveness.

The House Finance Committee approved House Bill 4027, a state budget bill, for consideration by the full House of Delegates on February 19, 2026. The bill maintains Governor Morrisey's proposed general revenue budget of approximately $5.5 billion and includes a 3% pay raise for public employees, a 3% increase to the employer share of PEIA, three-quarters year of Hope Scholarship funding, and creation of a new Rural Health Transformation Program fund from federal appropriations. The committee substitute was then sent to the full House for further consideration.

Morrisey amended the State-Federal Cooperative Agreement between West Virginia and the U.S. Department of the Interior on February 19, 2026, expanding the state's authority over coal mining operations. Under the amendment, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection assumed primary responsibility for permitting, inspection, and enforcement activities for both privately owned and federally leased coal operations in the state. Morrisey stated the amendment clarified roles and reduced duplication in regulatory oversight under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977.

Morrisey submitted a budget proposal reflecting a 5% state income tax cut and challenged lawmakers to achieve an additional 5% reduction in personal taxes. The Senate Finance Committee finalized its budget recommendations on Senate Bill 250 and referred Senate Bill 392, which proposes a state income tax cut reflecting the full 10% reduction Morrisey requested, to the full Senate for consideration. The committee's budget allocations must address funding for Medicaid, a 3% pay raise for teachers and state employees, and the Hope Scholarship program.

Senate Bill 1, which creates the Small Business Growth Program to be administered by the Department of Commerce, passed the West Virginia legislature by a vote of 29 to 2 during the 2026 legislative session. The program provides a funding mechanism for businesses with fewer than 250 employees to apply for venture capital funds, with tax credits available to investors beginning in 2029. The bill has been transmitted to Governor Morrisey's desk for signature.

Governor Morrisey reaffirmed his administration's focus on economic development during the 2026 legislative session. The House of Delegates passed Senate Bill 1, the Small Business Growth Program, which creates funding mechanisms for small businesses unable to qualify for traditional bank loans. The legislation was characterized as likely to be the first completed piece of legislation from the regular session.

Morrisey announced $9.5 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grants for five water and sewer infrastructure projects in McDowell and Mingo counties in West Virginia. The awards, distributed under a 1977 federal law designed to assist areas affected by abandoned coal mines, included three projects in McDowell County totaling more than $6.25 million for wastewater and sewer improvements. Morrisey characterized the funding as economic development aimed at providing clean water infrastructure to the region.

Governor Patrick Morrisey appointed James Paul to the West Virginia State Board of Education on Wednesday. Paul previously served as executive director of the West Virginia Professional Charter School Board and holds a doctorate in Education Policy from the University of Arkansas. Morrisey stated the appointment was intended to advance education reform efforts focused on financial management and academic performance in the state.

Governor Morrisey proposed a 10 percent reduction in the state income tax. The West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, represented by executive director Kelly Allen, weighed in on the proposal during a public discussion. The specific details of the Center's assessment of the tax cut proposal were included in the West Virginia Morning broadcast.

During his State of the State address, Governor Morrisey proposed a 10 percent reduction to West Virginia's personal income tax rate. Morrisey subsequently promoted this proposal at a public event in Bridgeport, where he encouraged attendees to contact their legislators in support of the tax cut. The proposal comes as the state operates under existing legislation that automatically triggers additional tax cuts when revenue gains are realized.

Morrisey's chamber passed Senate Bill 615 on Monday, legislation that requires local and state law enforcement agencies across West Virginia to notify and cooperate with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents when individuals in their custody are determined to be in the United States illegally. The bill stipulates that local entities cannot circumvent the requirement by enacting their own laws or policies. The legislation drew opposition from some senators who noted that law enforcement agencies in the state were already cooperating with ICE.

Morrisey called on state lawmakers to enact a 10% state income tax cut during an event at Green's Supply Depot in Parkersburg on January 29, 2026. Morrisey stated that the tax reduction would allow residents to retain more money from their paychecks and would help West Virginia remain competitive with neighboring states including Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland. Morrisey's proposed state budget already included a 5% income tax cut, and he indicated the additional 5% reduction would represent a fiscally responsible use of state resources.

Governor Morrisey proposed a $1,600 pay raise for teachers in West Virginia as part of discussions surrounding education compensation. Senate Bill 516, introduced in the state Senate, would raise the minimum salary for teachers with a bachelor's degree or higher to $50,000, aligning West Virginia with neighboring states Virginia and Ohio. The bill generated debate among lawmakers regarding its pay scale structure, with concerns raised that teachers with varying credentials would receive identical compensation under the proposed schedule.

Morrisey announced that Calpine LLC, a business unit of Constellation, is proceeding with construction of a natural gas power plant in Moundsville, Marshall County, representing a more than $1 billion investment in West Virginia. The facility is expected to generate over 500 megawatts of power capacity and create approximately 400 construction jobs and 25 permanent operational positions. The project, originally proposed in 2014, has advanced to the development stage under Morrisey's administration.

Governor Morrisey announced that Frontieras North America selected Mason County for an $850 million coal reformation facility that will convert coal into fuels, fertilizers, and industrial carbon products. The 183-acre facility is expected to generate more than 2,000 construction jobs and over 200 permanent positions. Morrisey attributed the selection to West Virginia's 50 by 50 energy plan and the state's regulatory environment.

Governor Morrisey included nuclear energy development as a component of his economic development plan aimed at increasing the state's energy capacity to 50 gigawatts by 2050 through coal, gas, and nuclear resources. The plan was presented to state lawmakers during a Joint Standing Committee on the Judiciary meeting ahead of the legislative session that began Wednesday. Nicholas Preservati, Director of the West Virginia Office of Energy, identified community engagement and public education as critical factors for the initiative's success.

Governor Morrisey announced in January 2026 that he would propose significant reductions to personal income and business taxes during the upcoming legislative session. Morrisey stated that West Virginia's graduated income tax with a top rate of 4.82 percent should be reduced to help the state remain competitive with neighboring states, citing Kentucky's plan to lower its rate from 4 percent to 3.5 percent and Ohio's plan to lower its rate from 3.5 percent to 2.75 percent. Morrisey identified the tax cut proposal as a priority for the legislative session.

Governor Morrisey announced the "Bring Them Home Fund" in January 2026, an initiative designed to return approximately 300 West Virginia children currently in out-of-state foster care placements back to the state. Morrisey stated that the fund would require upfront investments to facilitate the return of these children to West Virginia. The governor also emphasized the importance of early intervention and stabilizing situations before children enter the foster care system.

Morrisey announced in March a "Four Pillars of a Healthy West Virginia" initiative following a visit from U.S. Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy, which included a goal to modify SNAP eligibility standards. In May, Morrisey submitted a formal SNAP waiver to the federal government to implement a ban on the purchase of certain sugary drinks including soda through the program. The ban took effect on January 1, 2026, restricting approximately 300,000 West Virginia SNAP beneficiaries from using their benefits to purchase these beverages.

Morrisey signed House Bill 2354 into law in spring 2025, making West Virginia the first state to ban several artificial food dyes from school lunches, with the measure taking effect on August 1, 2025. A statewide ban on the same dyes and preservatives is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2028. In December 2025, a federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement of the law while a lawsuit filed by the International Association of Color Manufacturers proceeds through the courts.

Morrisey's office announced that West Virginia received $199 million from the Trump Administration through the Rural Health Transformation Fund for 2026, exceeding the guaranteed $100 million annual allocation that all states receive under the program established in the One Big Beautiful Bill signed by President Trump on July 4. The state's application was submitted on November 5 following a process that included public input, roundtables, and a statewide tele-townhall with over 17,000 participants. The amount West Virginia will receive in the subsequent four years of the five-year program remains unspecified.

Morrisey announced that West Virginia has requested the posthumous award of the Purple Heart for U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and the Purple Heart for Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe following their ambush and shooting in Washington, D.C. on November 26. Beckstrom died from injuries sustained in the incident, while Wolfe remains in recovery. The Purple Heart request follows the expansion of eligibility criteria by Congress in 2015 to include military members wounded or killed in domestic terror attacks.

Morrisey announced the creation of a $6 million revolving investment fund on December 16, 2025, to improve West Virginia's foster care system through renovations and repairs to state-owned facilities. The fund is designated to support high acuity psychiatric, neurological, developmental, and trauma services for children in the state's care, as well as to expand treatment programs tailored to individual clinical needs. The investment aims to enhance in-state service capacity to reduce the number of children placed in out-of-state facilities.

Morrisey announced more than $15 million in new grants aimed at improving water and sewer infrastructure in 13 West Virginia counties and environmental conservation across the state. The Governor stated that the projects represent a critical component of the state's economic development strategy and are intended to enhance the state's competitiveness with neighboring states for new business. Morrisey characterized the infrastructure improvements as tools for raising living standards and supporting economic growth in West Virginia communities.

On December 11, 2025, Governor Morrisey announced at a press conference that a pay raise for state employees would be a priority for the 2026 West Virginia Legislative session. Morrisey stated that the pay raises would apply to state employees funded through the general revenue budget, which encompasses the majority of the state workforce. The announcement followed earlier statements by Republican House leadership that included a teacher pay raise as a legislative priority for the January session.

In December 2025, Morrisey's office provided clarification regarding the West Virginia National Guard's extended deployment in Washington, D.C. through at least December 31, stating that Guard members were performing sustainment, logistics, administration, public affairs, and Joint Staff augmentation duties, along with static and roving presence patrols. Morrisey authorized the Guard to serve in Washington on a volunteer basis after November 17, and the office specified that service members were not conducting beautification projects such as litter collection and site restoration.

Morrisey announced in a press release that West Virginia state revenue collections for November totaled $28.5 million above budget estimates, with year-to-date collections exceeding projections by more than $130 million. Personal Income Tax collections reached $171 million in November, surpassing estimates by $26.5 million, while overall collections increased 10.5% compared to the previous November. Morrisey stated that current tax rates are nearly 6% lower than rates from one year prior and indicated the state would maintain fiscally conservative budgeting practices.

Governor Morrisey called for a statewide moment of silence or prayer at 2:15 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025, to honor Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe and Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, two West Virginia National Guard members who were ambushed in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. Morrisey ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff in recognition of Beckstrom's death on Thursday night. The governor issued a public statement requesting all West Virginians to pause at the designated time to pray for the service members' families and fellow military personnel.

Federal officials approved West Virginia's broadband development plan in November 2025, allocating Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding to connect more than 73,000 locations across the state to high-speed internet services. Governor Morrisey announced the approval, characterizing it as a step forward in expanding economic opportunity across West Virginia. The BEAD funds had been promised to the state since 2023 but experienced multiple delays before final approval.

Morrisey announced the award of $16,327,849 in West Virginia Victims of Crime Act grants to 83 projects across the state on November 20, 2025. The VOCA funds provide direct services including counseling, personal advocacy, court advocacy, client transportation, and support services to victims of crimes including domestic violence, sexual violence, and child abuse. Morrisey stated the funding complements increased penalties for child abuse established through House Bill 2123, which the state legislature passed earlier that year.

Morrisey announced that West Virginia had secured more than $4 billion in private-sector energy investments, with the majority allocated toward constructing two new gas power plants and expanding two existing gas facilities, while more than $1 billion in low-interest U.S. Department of Energy loans would support refurbishing six coal-fired power plants to extend their operational lives by up to 20 years. Environmental advocates, including the West Virginia Chapter of Sierra Club, raised concerns that the loan payments would be transferred to ratepayers and questioned the long-term benefits of the investments. The announcement and subsequent advocacy response highlighted differing perspectives on the direction of the state's energy infrastructure development.

Governor Patrick Morrisey authorized the West Virginia National Guard to extend its deployment in Washington, D.C. through December 31, 2025, in support of President Donald Trump's D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative. Approximately 160 Guard volunteers have been approved to remain in the nation's capital on federally funded orders. West Virginia is among several states that deployed National Guard members to Washington beginning in August 2025 as part of the coordinated federal, local, and military effort.

Morrisey ordered flags to be flown at half staff to honor Steve Lipscomb, a foreman at the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County who died after a section of the mine flooded on November 8. Lipscomb remained in the shaft to ensure all crew members were evacuated to safety before water filled the passage, making his own escape impossible. Morrisey also acknowledged the rescue crews who worked for five days in an unsuccessful attempt to retrieve Lipscomb.

Morrisey signed an executive order on Veterans Day creating the Herschel Woody Williams Statue Commission, establishing a body to oversee the creation of a statue honoring the late Medal of Honor recipient. Williams, who died in 2022, was the last living World War II Medal of Honor recipient and founded the Woody Williams Foundation to support Gold Star Families after his military service. The commission was established to create a lasting tribute to Williams that would commemorate his bravery during the Battle of Iwo Jima and his subsequent service to military families.

Morrisey authorized the allocation of an additional $2 million in state funding to food banks on November 10, 2025, during an ongoing federal government shutdown. This brought total state spending on nutritional support to more than $13 million during the 41-day shutdown, with Morrisey stating the funds would be sufficient until at least November 17. Morrisey indicated he was prepared to convene a special legislative session if additional appropriations became necessary to continue supporting the approximately 300,000 West Virginians receiving SNAP benefits.

Morrisey authorized the deployment of more than 300 West Virginia National Guard members to Washington, D.C. in August 2025 to support President Donald Trump's crime-fighting efforts. The West Virginia Citizen Action Group filed a lawsuit challenging the deployment, arguing that state law permitted out-of-state National Guard deployment only for specific purposes such as responding to natural disasters or emergency requests from other states. Kanawha County Circuit Judge Richard D. Lindsay ruled on November 10, 2025 that the deployment could continue, rejecting the civic organization's challenge.

Morrisey announced that West Virginia submitted an application to the Rural Health Transformation Program, which would provide the state with at least $100 million annually in federal funds for health and wellness programs. Morrisey subsequently toured multiple cities including Parkersburg, Moundsville, and Fairmont to discuss the initiative. Morrisey stated that improved health outcomes would enable residents to remain in the workforce longer and strengthen the state's economy.

Morrisey announced submission of an application for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) on Wednesday, which was developed through public input including three round tables with over three dozen organizations and a tele-town hall attended by more than 17,000 residents. The RHTP application represents West Virginia's effort to secure additional federal funding beyond the $100 million annually already allocated through HR1, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill. The program is designed to address anticipated cuts to Medicare and Medicaid that could result in losses of up to $900 million annually for the state and threaten the viability of rural hospitals.

Morrisey announced the release of $2.5 million in state funds to Facing Hunger Foodbank and Mountaineer Food Bank on Thursday in response to the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments and federal workers missing paychecks. The allocation was made to address increased demand at the food banks, which serve approximately 300,000 West Virginians receiving SNAP benefits, including 100,000 children. This release brought the total state distribution to the food banks to $11.1 million.

Morrisey announced the completion of a $60 million sale of four state-owned health care facilities—Hopemont Hospital, Jackie Withrow Hospital, John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center, and Lakin Hospital—to Marx Development Group (MDG), with MDG subsidiary Majestic Care assuming operations. As part of the transaction, MDG committed an additional $80 million investment toward constructing at least three new long-term care facilities using local labor and materials where feasible. Morrisey characterized the sale as modernizing the state's healthcare operations and facilities.

Morrisey announced an additional $2.5 million in state funding for food banks and pantries on October 31, 2025, bringing total state emergency funding for nutritional support to over $8 million. The announcement came as federal SNAP benefits were scheduled to lapse and the federal government entered its second month of shutdown, affecting approximately 300,000 West Virginians who rely on the program. The state funding was designated to support emergency food distribution through the state's food bank network.

Governor Morrisey announced Patrick Lee Miller as the first Director of the Washington Center for Civics, Culture and Statesmanship at West Virginia University for a five-year term on October 29, 2025. The appointment fulfilled requirements of House Bill 3297, which mandated WVU establish the center and hire a director with expertise in the western tradition, American founding, and constitutional thought. Miller, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Duquesne University, brings prior academic experience from Duke University and Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan.

Morrisey mentioned West Virginia 211, a resource database operated by the United Way, as a service for residents seeking food assistance during a federal government shutdown that delayed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments for approximately 300,000 West Virginians in November. The service operates 24 hours daily across all 55 counties and connects residents to trained Community Resource Specialists through phone or text who can direct them to local food banks, pantries, community action agencies, and faith-based organizations. West Virginians can access the service by calling 2-1-1 or texting their ZIP code to 898-211.

Morrisey pledged $1.1 million in emergency funding to West Virginia food banks in response to anticipated curtailment of SNAP benefits for more than a quarter million state residents during the federal government shutdown. Following the initial pledge, Morrisey launched a statewide donation drive to support food banks, with up to $13 million in funding identified to match private and charitable donations. The Facing Hunger Food Bank, based in Huntington, serves 17 counties across West Virginia, Southern Ohio, and Eastern Kentucky through approximately 300 food distribution agencies.

Morrisey announced an additional $13 million in state funds to address a shortfall in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits caused by delays resulting from a federal government shutdown. The governor called on the public to match the state allocation, with the goal of doubling the available funds to $26 million. The announcement followed confirmation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that SNAP benefit distribution would be delayed in November, which had already resulted in doubled visits to food banks and pantries across the state.

Governor Morrisey's office announced plans in August to sell the John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center in Fairmont to Marx Development Group as part of a broader facility divestment plan. Marion County Circuit Court Judge Matthew S. Delligatti issued a temporary restraining order on October 24, 2025, blocking the sale and naming Morrisey and Secretary Michael Caruso of the WV Department of Health Facilities as defendants in their official capacities. Morrisey's office stated that the contract to sell the facilities is based on strong legal authority and indicated the administration would present its arguments at a scheduled court hearing on Tuesday.

Morrisey announced that 60 people have been arrested since West Virginia entered into a partnership with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency's 287(g) program earlier in 2025. The 287(g) program authorizes ICE to delegate immigration enforcement functions to state and local law enforcement officers under federal direction and oversight. In August, Morrisey signed agreements with ICE involving the state Department of Corrections, West Virginia State Police, and National Guard to participate in the program.

Morrisey signed House Bill 2354 into law in spring 2025, which banned specified artificial food dyes and preservatives from school lunches effective August 1, 2025, with a statewide ban scheduled to take effect January 1, 2028. The law prohibits eight artificial dyes including FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, and FD&C Yellow No. 5, as well as the preservatives butylated hydroxyanisole and propylparaben. The International Association of Color Manufacturers filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia in October 2025 challenging the law.

Morrisey announced a 20% discount on three-day stays in West Virginia state parks through December 30, 2025, to support tourism during a federal government shutdown. The governor stated the discount was intended to mitigate economic impacts on hotels, restaurants, and local businesses during peak tourism season. This announcement followed Morrisey's earlier commitment to spend approximately $100,000 to keep New River Gorge and Harpers Ferry national parks open through October 17.

Morrisey announced the results of a 287(g) agreement between West Virginia State Police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement that began on September 21, stating that 37 individuals had been arrested on immigration violations within eleven days of the partnership's implementation. The agreement established a formal cooperation structure between the state Department of Homeland Security, State Police, Division of Corrections, and federal ICE officers to coordinate on immigration enforcement. Morrisey characterized the arrest rate as significant relative to the state's population size.

Morrisey issued an executive order granting vaccine exemptions based on religion for West Virginia school vaccine requirements. Two parents with immunocompromised children, Joshua A. Hess and Marisa Jackson, filed suit against the West Virginia Department of Health seeking to stop the executive order. Lawyers from the ACLU of West Virginia and Mountain State Justice subsequently filed a motion asking Raleigh County Judge Michael Froble to grant summary judgment in favor of the plaintiffs.

Governor Morrisey announced a partnership between West Virginia State Police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enforce federal immigration laws. As part of this partnership, the State Police Parkways Interdiction team charged twelve individuals with immigration violations during traffic stops on Interstate 77 in Fayette County on September 22-23, 2025. Morrisey stated that the collaboration was designed to enforce the nation's immigration laws in coordination with federal enforcement efforts.

Governor Morrisey outlined a 25-year energy policy vision for West Virginia on September 11, 2025, establishing a goal to triple the state's electricity output to 50 megawatts by 2050. The policy prioritizes coal, natural gas, and nuclear power as primary energy sources while largely excluding wind, solar, and battery storage technologies. Morrisey's plan represents a significant shift in the state's energy infrastructure development strategy.

Governor Morrisey included an additional $1 million in the West Virginia Supreme Court's Fiscal Year 2026 budget request to fund the continued operation of Family Treatment Courts for the upcoming fiscal year. Family Treatment Courts are specialized problem-solving courts established as a pilot program in 2019 and made permanent in 2021 that work with parents overcoming substance use disorders while pursuing safe reunification with their families. The 14 courts currently operating across 18 counties have reunited 437 children with parents who completed the program and reduced foster care duration for those cases.

Raleigh County Circuit Court Judge Michael Froble consolidated two lawsuits challenging Governor Patrick Morrisey's Executive Order 7-25, which permits religious and philosophical exemptions to state school vaccination requirements. The consolidated cases, Miranda Guzman v. State Department of Education and Joshua A. Hess v. West Virginia Department of Health, will determine whether Morrisey possessed the authority to issue the executive order when a legislative bill to add such exemptions failed to pass. Froble determined that the circuit court would benefit from the full development of the cases before any potential appeal to a higher court.

Morrisey announced the deployment of the West Virginia National Guard to the District of Columbia to support law enforcement and coordinate with federal authorities under the Trump administration. The ACLU of West Virginia and Citizen Action Group of West Virginia filed a lawsuit in Kanawha Circuit Court challenging the deployment, arguing that Morrisey exceeded his constitutional authority and that the action violated state law restricting National Guard deployment outside state borders. The lawsuit was assigned to Judge Richard Lindsay.

The ACLU of West Virginia filed a lawsuit challenging Governor Morrisey's decision to deploy the West Virginia National Guard to the District of Columbia, alleging the deployment exceeded his authority. Morrisey was one of six Republican governors who announced plans to send National Guard troops to the nation's capital. The lawsuit contends the deployment is unlawful.

Attorney General McCuskey filed a motion in Raleigh County to consolidate two lawsuits challenging Governor Morrisey's executive order on school vaccine requirements, citing judicial efficiency and the need to avoid duplicative litigation. The two cases, Guzman in Raleigh County and Hess in Kanawha County, both address whether Morrisey possessed authority to override state school vaccine law through executive order. Morrisey issued the executive order in January following his inauguration.

Morrisey's office announced that Tucker and Kanawha Counties would receive nearly $2.5 million in loans for water and sewer system upgrades. The city of Parsons in Tucker County received the largest allocation of $1.96 million to replace aging sewer lines and improve maintenance on a system identified as having surpassed its useful life. The loan, combined with local contributions, Congressionally Directed Spending, and matching state funds, brought the total project funding to more than $4 million.

Morrisey issued an executive order allowing religious and philosophical exemptions to the state's school vaccination requirements during his first actions in office. The American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia and Mountain State Justice filed a lawsuit in Kanawha County Circuit Court seeking a temporary restraining order on the executive order, arguing that Morrisey unilaterally extended protections beyond what the West Virginia Equal Protection for Religion Act authorized. A bill to add exemptions to state code failed to pass the state legislature in the same year.

Morrisey announced that the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council awarded $3.4 million in funding for five water and sewer projects across Kanawha, Marion, and Richie counties, with an additional $1.56 million grant from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The announcement was made during an August 14, 2025 event in Fairmont and represents part of a series of water and sewer infrastructure improvements the governor announced in recent weeks. The event drew discussion of other announcements Morrisey had made earlier in the week, though the specific details of those other announcements are not provided in the article.

The West Virginia Board of Education voted to send a letter to the Professional Charter School Board requesting compliance with existing state vaccine laws. The Professional Charter School Board announced it would advise schools to follow Governor Morrisey's executive order permitting religious and philosophical vaccine exemptions certified by the state Board of Health. The dispute arose as the school year began with vaccine requirements remaining unresolved between the charter school board and the state education authority.

Governor Morrisey announced the signing of agreements between three West Virginia state agencies and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in August 2025. The agreements involved the Department of Corrections, West Virginia State Police, and the National Guard, with the Department of Corrections participating in the 287(g) program that enables state law enforcement to cooperate with ICE on deportations of individuals in the country illegally. Morrisey had previously signed a letter of intent for the Department of Corrections to participate in the 287(g) program in February 2025.

Morrisey signed into law legislation passed by the West Virginia Legislature that bans artificial food dyes from school meals, effective August 1, 2025. The law prohibits the use of red dyes numbers 3 and 40, yellow dyes numbers 5 and 6, blue dyes numbers 1 and 2, and green dye number 3 in foods served across the state's approximately 630 schools. School nutrition directors began implementing the policy changes to accommodate the dietary restrictions affecting an estimated 240,000 students.

Governor Morrisey announced $16 million in funding for water and sewer projects across West Virginia on August 1, 2025, with seven communities selected to receive support for infrastructure improvements including replacement of deteriorated waterlines and extension of water service. The announcement in St. Mary's followed a separate $6 million investment into flood mitigation studies announced the previous Tuesday. Morrisey stated that quality water infrastructure was necessary for the state's economic development and attracting businesses to the region.

Governor Morrisey signed House Bill 2354, which bans the use of certain synthetic food dyes including Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Red No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6, as well as several synthetic food preservatives in West Virginia school meals. The law took effect on August 1, 2025, making West Virginia the first state to implement such a ban in school foods. School nutrition directors across all 55 counties in the state modified meal offerings to comply with the restrictions, including removing items containing banned dyes while finding alternative ingredients such as beet juice for coloring.

Governor Morrisey issued an executive order in January 2025 establishing religious and philosophical exemptions to West Virginia's school vaccination requirements, which previously allowed only medical exemptions. Raleigh County Judge Michael E. Froble ruled in July 2025 that the county must permit children of families in an ongoing lawsuit to attend school without vaccinations while their case proceeds, thereby upholding the governor's executive order. A legislative bill that would have modified the state's vaccination requirements did not pass during the 2025 West Virginia Legislature session, leaving the legal foundation of the executive order in question.

Following devastating flash flooding in Marion and Ohio counties in West Virginia, President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration on Tuesday that opened the region to federal aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), providing $11.7 million in federal disaster assistance. Governor Morrisey held a press conference in Wheeling on Thursday to announce the disaster declaration and provide updates on flood recovery efforts in the affected counties. Morrisey stated he was pursuing additional avenues for public assistance funding beyond the initial federal allocation.

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld West Virginia's authority to restrict access to mifepristone, a medication used in abortion procedures approved by the FDA. The case involved a lawsuit filed by GenBioPro, the manufacturer of the drug, against then-Attorney General Morrisey, challenging the state's prohibition on selling the medication. The court's decision affirmed a 2023 district court ruling that allowed the state to impose restrictions on the drug beyond those set by federal approval standards.

Matt Herridge resigned as chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party, effective July 26, 2025, to focus on his role as West Virginia Secretary of Commerce, a position to which he was appointed by Governor Patrick Morrisey in January 2025. Herridge announced his resignation in a letter to the state GOP Executive Committee, noting that the party had hired a new executive director, Ryan Jacinto, allowing for a transition in leadership. A successor to Herridge as party chairman was to be elected at the party's summer meeting in Morgantown.

The West Virginia House of Delegates passed House Bill 2002 on March 31, 2025, and the West Virginia Senate passed the bill on April 9, 2025, authorizing creation of an online business permitting portal. The West Virginia Department of Administration subsequently filed a formal request for information with the West Virginia Purchasing Division to solicit feedback from stakeholders on the portal's design and functionality. The collected comments, to be made publicly accessible, will inform the technical and functional requirements for the consolidated permitting system known as the "One Stop Shop."

Governor Morrisey announced a comprehensive economic development initiative called "Grow West Virginia" designed to address declining job numbers in the state through reduced taxes, enhanced professional education, accelerated business permitting, and job growth facilitation. As part of this initiative, Morrisey unveiled the West Virginia Jobs Initiative, which allocates $50 million in discretionary state funds for targeted economic development investments. The first investment announced under this program was $400,000 directed to the Moorefield facility of Mettler Packaging.

Morrisey announced during a Wednesday press conference that West Virginia recorded the largest monthly reduction in overdose deaths in the nation for two consecutive months, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The figures showed a 69% drop in opioid-related deaths, a 71% drop in fentanyl-related deaths, and a 64% drop in methamphetamine-related deaths. Department of Human Services Secretary Alex Mayer attributed the decline partly to the distribution of more than 90,000 Naloxone kits between 2022 and 2024.

Morrisey announced the appointment of William Bell, a social studies teacher at Wetzel County Schools, to fill a vacancy in the West Virginia House of Delegates representing the 8th District. The seat had been vacated by David Kelly, who was appointed Commissioner of the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Bell, who also serves as an adjunct faculty member at West Virginia University at Parkersburg and on the Paden City Common Council, will represent a district covering parts of Kanawha, Putnam, Doddridge, Tyler, and Wetzel counties.

In January, Governor Morrisey issued an executive order allowing religious and philosophical exemptions to West Virginia's school vaccination requirements. On Wednesday, the state Board of Education advised schools to follow existing vaccination guidelines without religious exemptions, creating a conflict between the executive order and the board's directive. Following the board meeting, Morrisey's communications director stated that the board's decision disregarded the governor's executive order and the state's religious freedom law.

Morrisey issued a vaccine order establishing exemptions to the state's school vaccine requirements. The West Virginia Board of Education challenged the vaccine order and declared states of emergency in Boone and Randolph county schools at their regular meeting on Wednesday. The board's action placed Boone County Schools under state control, continuing a pattern of state interventions in county school districts.

Morrisey announced a new policy requiring the West Virginia Department of Human Services to publicly disclose details surrounding foster child deaths or near-deaths, including cause, prior reports of abuse, and state response. The department simultaneously revamped its Child Welfare Dashboard with interactive features to allow broader public access to child welfare data on performance indicators, service outcomes, and workforce metrics. A Critical Incident Review Team will be established following the passage of House Bill 2880 to investigate serious cases within the foster care system.

Morrisey signed House Bill 2014, a microgrid bill enacted in late April 2025, which includes a provision requiring the West Virginia Public Service Commission to mandate electric utilities submit updated integrated resource plans that detail plant upgrade and maintenance schedules for coal-fired power plants. The PSC issued General Order No. 183.15 on May 23, 2025, implementing this requirement and obligating each utility to submit compliant plans by October 1, 2025. The legislation also loosens restrictions on microgrids to attract data center investment related to artificial intelligence development.

Governor Morrisey called for a comprehensive review of the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA), which provides health coverage to over 230,000 people including state employees, municipal workers, county employees, and nonprofit staff. Morrisey indicated consideration of a special legislative session to explore options for addressing PEIA's financial sustainability amid anticipated premium increases scheduled for July 1. The review was prompted by concerns that PEIA's expansion beyond its original scope to serve state employees only has created an increasingly expensive system requiring structural reforms.

Governor Morrisey announced at a press conference in Bridgeport that the state Department of Transportation would redirect its focus from constructing new roads to repairing and maintaining existing infrastructure, including bridges, paved roads, and potholes. Morrisey stated that funds from the "Roads to Prosperity" initiative launched under the previous administration had been depleted and that despite billions spent on highways and bridges over the preceding eight years, significant debt had accumulated without achieving adequate maintenance of the state's transportation infrastructure. The announcement addressed findings that 14 percent of West Virginia bridges were rated in poor condition according to federal government surveys.

Morrisey signed House Bill 2014, the microgrid bill, into law in April 2025, which included a provision requiring the West Virginia Public Service Commission to issue an updated order on utilities' long-term electricity supply plans. The PSC issued General Order No. 183.15 on May 23, 2025, requiring each state utility to submit an updated integrated resource plan by October 1 that complies with House Bill 2014's requirements. The order mandates utilities to include detailed plant upgrade plans, maintenance schedules, cost estimates, and analyses of actions necessary to extend the operational life of generating units beyond their planned retirement dates.

Governor Patrick Morrisey commented on West Virginia's May General Revenue Fund collections, which totaled nearly $349.9 million and fell approximately $200,000 below the monthly estimate while declining 12% compared to prior year receipts. Morrisey stated that the revenue figures demonstrated the need to remain vigilant about financial stability and indicated the state would continue making fiscally responsible decisions. The governor's remarks were made in response to Department of Revenue data showing mixed results across tax categories, with severance and sales tax collections exceeding estimates while personal income and corporation net income taxes fell short.

Morrisey attended a ribbon-cutting event in Charleston marking the opening of West Virginia Health Right's new mobile teaching kitchen, where he discussed his administration's health initiatives. Earlier in 2025, Morrisey signed legislation banning artificial food dyes and preservatives in food products and in school meals, and announced the state had applied for a federal waiver to exclude soda from SNAP-eligible items. Morrisey also stated his administration was developing a proposal to include work requirements as part of SNAP eligibility for some adults and promoted the "Mountaineer Mile" exercise initiative encouraging West Virginians to walk at least one mile daily.

Governor Morrisey requested a waiver from the federal government to remove sugary beverages from the list of items purchasable with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in West Virginia. The request was submitted earlier in May 2025. The American Heart Association subsequently submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture expressing support for Morrisey's waiver request.

Morrisey signed Executive Order 7-25 on January 14, 2025, establishing a process for parents and guardians to request religious and philosophical exemptions to West Virginia's mandatory school vaccination program by submitting a written request. The executive order cited the 2023 Equal Protection for Religion Act as authorization for the exemptions to the state's existing immunization requirements for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and hepatitis B. Morrisey stated at a press conference that the executive order interprets existing state law rather than violating it, following a lawsuit filed by the ACLU-WV and Mountain State Justice challenging the order's validity.

The West Virginia Investment Management Board voted to adopt a divestment policy prohibiting investments in Chinese-owned or controlled companies, with Morrisey, who serves as chair of the board, issuing a statement in support of the action. The policy directs a comprehensive review of all state short-term and long-term investments to identify and divest from companies owned or controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. The divestment policy follows a similar measure adopted by the Board of Treasury Investments in February 2025.

Morrisey signed Senate Bill 537, which expands funding eligibility for the West Virginia Mothers and Babies Pregnancy Support Program to include capital expenditures, service expansion costs, licensing compliance expenses, and staff training. He also signed House Bill 2123, which increased criminal penalties for child abuse and child neglect convictions, raising sentences for abuse causing bodily injury from one to five years to two to ten years, and for abuse causing serious bodily injury from two to ten years to five to fifteen years. Additionally, Morrisey signed House Bill 2871, which amended state code related to negligent homicide.

Governor Morrisey signed three bills on May 29, 2025, at a ceremony in Beckley, West Virginia. The legislation expanded financial support for pregnancy centers, increased criminal penalties for child abuse, and added the loss of a child in the womb to the definition of vehicular homicide. Morrisey stated the bills were intended to protect children and strengthen the state's commitment to life at all stages.

On May 28, 2025, Governor Morrisey announced six reforms to West Virginia's child welfare system following listening sessions conducted by the Department of Human Services across the state. The announced reforms included measures to increase transparency in the foster care system and establish standard practices within child welfare operations. Morrisey's announcement coincided with the naming of a new director for the state's Department of Human Services.

Gov. Morrisey announced six new policy initiatives for the West Virginia foster care system on Wednesday, including a new reporting policy requiring the Department of Human Services to disclose information about child fatalities and near-fatalities in state care. The department overhauled its Child Welfare Dashboard with interactive features to provide public access to performance data, and established a Critical Incident Review Team following the passage of House Bill 2880 to analyze critical incidents in the child welfare system. Morrisey also announced the state would implement a comprehensive practice model for foster care and a new intake process for the system in the near future.

Morrisey signed Executive Order 7-25 on his second day in office directing the creation of a vaccine exemption program for students with religious or conscientious objections to school vaccine mandates in West Virginia. After the state Superintendent of Schools issued and then rescinded a memo stating no religious exemption existed under state law, Morrisey issued a statement reaffirming that his executive order "remains in place and it will not be rescinded" and called on school officials to work with the Bureau for Public Health to implement the exemption process. The executive order directs the commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health and state health officer to establish a process for objections from parents and guardians seeking religious or conscientious exemptions from existing vaccine requirements for school attendance.

Morrisey signed Executive Order 3-25 on January 14, 2025, directing all cabinet-level departments and state agencies to review and report on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, positions, and activities as defined in the order. The order required departments to identify state resources allocated to DEI initiatives and submit elimination plans by April 14, 2025. A subsequent review of 20 cabinet-level departments and governor-appointed boards found that 11 reported no DEI policies matching the executive order's definition, while nine reported policies potentially falling within the definition or tied to federal grant requirements.

On his second day in office, Morrisey signed an executive order granting parents the ability to opt their children out of mandatory school vaccinations on religious or philosophical grounds. When a bill supporting this policy failed in the 2025 West Virginia Legislative session, Morrisey ordered the state school board to continue accepting the exemptions despite current state law requiring vaccinations for diseases including polio, measles, and whooping cough. The American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia and Mountain State Justice subsequently filed a lawsuit challenging the executive order in Kanawha Court.

On his second day in office, Morrisey issued an executive order instructing the state superintendent of schools to rescind a prior policy memo and permit non-medical vaccination exemptions for public school students, reversing a longstanding requirement that West Virginia schoolchildren be vaccinated against diseases including measles, polio, and whooping cough. The American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia and Mountain State Justice filed a lawsuit in Kanawha County Circuit Court in May 2025 seeking to block enforcement of the executive order through a writ of mandamus. The lawsuit challenged Morrisey's authority to implement the exemptions through executive order after the West Virginia Legislature declined to pass legislation adding non-medical exemptions to the state's compulsory immunization law in March 2025.

Morrisey signed Senate Bill 756, the Troop to Teachers Act, which establishes an expedited pathway for honorably discharged military veterans to obtain professional teaching certificates in West Virginia public schools. Under the legislation, veterans holding a bachelor's degree related to their desired teaching position and who have passed required basic skills and subject matter tests are exempt from additional teacher certification requirements except criminal history checks. Morrisey held a ceremonial signing of the bill at Hedgesville Middle School on May 21, 2025.

Governor Morrisey submitted a formal waiver request to the federal government on May 21, 2025, seeking to remove soda from items eligible for purchase under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The request also proposed adding healthy food options including fresh produce, lean meat, and hot foods to the program, which currently restricts SNAP purchases to foods requiring home preparation. Morrisey stated the action was intended to address obesity and diabetes in West Virginia.

On May 20, 2025, West Virginia Governor Morrisey submitted a waiver request to the federal government seeking to exclude soda from items purchasable through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the state. Morrisey stated the request was intended to ensure the "N" in SNAP stood for nutrition and announced plans to promote "healthy bundles" consisting of fresh produce and lean meat. The waiver request was submitted to federal authorities including U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Governor Patrick Morrisey received a resolution from the West Virginia Board of Education calling on state leaders to stabilize the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) and prevent further cost increases and benefit reductions. PEIA premiums were scheduled to increase in July by 14 percent for state employees, 16 percent for non-state employees, and 12 percent for retirees. Morrisey indicated that an extraordinary legislative session would be convened to address rising PEIA costs, stating he would work with the Legislature and affected parties before setting a specific date for the session.

Governor Morrisey signed Executive Order 7-25 on his second day in office directing the creation of a vaccine exemption program for students with religious objections to West Virginia's school vaccine mandate, despite legislation to codify such exemptions failing to pass the state legislature earlier in the year. Following confusion created by a memo from state Superintendent of Schools Michelle Blatt stating no religious exemption existed under current law, Blatt rescinded the memo at Morrisey's request and announced the department would work collaboratively with the Governor's Office to issue guidance to counties on implementing the executive order. Morrisey stated in a subsequent statement that the executive order "remains in place and it will not be rescinded" and called on state education officials and county boards of education to work with the Bureau for Public Health to carry out the directive.

Morrisey announced at the end of March that West Virginia had received a 90-day extension for submitting its final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, moving the deadline to mid-July. The extension came after the Trump administration paused the state's $1.2 billion in broadband expansion funds pending a policy review. Morrisey stated the additional time would allow the state to focus on efficiently investing the BEAD funding to advance economic development goals including attracting investment from artificial intelligence hubs, microgrids, and data centers.

Governor Morrisey approved House Bill 3209, which requires public and charter schools in West Virginia to provide two counselors for every 1,000 students, with alternative ratios allowing one counselor per 400-450 students in elementary and middle schools and one counselor per 250-300 students in high schools. The legislation establishes new staffing requirements across the state's school systems. School officials and university counselor preparation programs have raised concerns about whether the state can train sufficient counselors to meet the expanded requirements and whether federal grant reductions will affect recruitment and retention efforts.

Morrisey signed House Bill 3336 into law in May 2025, legislation that modifies West Virginia's oil and gas regulations to streamline the process of capping abandoned wells. The bill permits operators to fill wells with cement without first removing damaged casing, a change intended to reduce both the time and cost required to retire dormant wells. The state has approximately 21,000 abandoned gas and oil wells, and the Department of Environmental Protection reported that the new approach could enable more efficient well closure compared to previous requirements that mandated infrastructure removal before plugging.

Morrisey celebrated the passage of House Bill 3336, legislation that streamlines the process for plugging abandoned natural gas wells in West Virginia by allowing operators to pierce well casings and fill them with concrete without removing the central casing. The state contains more than 21,000 abandoned natural gas wells that can leak oil, gas, and pollutants including arsenic, benzene, hydrogen sulfide, and methane into surrounding ground and waterways. The new law was presented as providing additional tools to address environmental challenges posed by these wells more efficiently and safely.

Governor Patrick Morrisey signed Senate Bill 490 in late March 2025, legislation that prohibits the use of ranked choice voting in any public election in West Virginia, effective June 5, 2025. The bill outlawed a voting method that had never been used in the state but is employed in Alaska, Maine, and various municipalities nationwide. Secretary of State Kris Warner subsequently defended the legislation in response to criticism from former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin.

Governor Morrisey issued an executive order on his first day in office in January directing the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health, the State Health Officer, and state employees under their authority to take no action enforcing school vaccination requirements when individuals object on religious or moral grounds. The order required these officials to establish a process for receiving written statements of religious and moral objection, citing the Equal Protection for Religion Act of 2023 as its legal basis. The West Virginia Board of Education scheduled discussion of the executive order and related legal matters, including a civil lawsuit, for its regular meeting in May 2025, as the order conflicts with existing state law that permits only medical exemptions to required school vaccinations.

Morrisey signed House Bill 2802 at Gihon Elementary School in Parkersburg on May 13, 2025, allowing law enforcement officers to earn in-service training hours while working in schools. The legislation permits officers to satisfy required annual training hours through activities such as school visits, in-school trainings, work as school resource officers, and school safety initiatives. According to Morrisey, the bill was intended to incentivize increased police presence in schools focused on school safety.

Governor Morrisey issued Executive Order 7-25 on his first day in office in January 2025, which invoked the Equal Protection for Religion Act of 2023 to establish religious and philosophical exemptions to school entry vaccines including measles, mumps, rubella, and polio. On May 9, 2025, Morrisey published a letter confirming the executive order would not be rescinded and providing guidance to parents, students, and school officials on the exemption application process through the Bureau for Public Health. The letter stated that school officials are expected to comply with the executive order or face legal action under the EPRA, despite the West Virginia Legislature failing to pass legislation establishing such exemptions during its session.

Morrisey announced an expansion of Summersville Lake State Park that added RV campsites with full hookups and primitive camping options across three campgrounds. The expansion was developed through a public-private partnership with Bright Enterprises, which finances and operates the park without requiring state operational funding. Morrisey also designated a new Mountaineer Mile Trail at the park as part of his four-point health initiative for West Virginia.

Governor Morrisey issued a statement on May 9, 2025, reinforcing Executive Order 7-25, which he had signed earlier in his administration, directing the establishment of a vaccine exemption policy based on religious and moral objections to school vaccination requirements. The statement came after the state superintendent of schools had issued and then rescinded a memo stating that no religious exemption existed under West Virginia law for mandatory school vaccinations. Morrisey called on the state superintendent of schools and county boards of education to work with the state Bureau for Public Health to implement the exemption process outlined in his executive order.

Governor Morrisey proclaimed May 2025 as "No-Kill Shelter Month" in West Virginia in recognition of the state's progress toward achieving no-kill shelter status. The proclamation was issued as animal advocates throughout the state worked to reduce euthanasia rates at shelters, with the goal of ensuring 90 percent or more of animals leave shelters through adoption or foster placement. According to the Best Friends Animal Society, West Virginia required approximately 1,100 additional dog and cat adoptions in 2025 to achieve no-kill status.

Governor Morrisey signed Senate Bill 490 in March 2026, which prohibits the use of ranked choice voting in any public election in West Virginia, effective June 5, 2026. The legislation was enacted despite ranked choice voting never having been used in the state. The bill's passage coincided with the West Virginia Republican Party's February 2024 decision to close its primary elections to registered Republicans only, affecting approximately 295,000 independent and unaffiliated voters in the state.

Morrisey signed Senate Bill 474, which prohibits diversity, equity and inclusion programs, trainings, activities and officers in the executive branch, primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities in West Virginia. Morrisey also signed Senate Bill 299, which eliminates exceptions in state law that previously allowed minors to access gender-affirming medical care. Morrisey stated that SB 474 contained an amendment he viewed as problematic and indicated he would request the Legislature to modify the law.

Justice Beth Walker announced her retirement from the West Virginia Supreme Court effective June 27, 2025, after nearly a decade of service. Governor Patrick Morrisey will appoint Walker's replacement to fill the seat, while voters will elect a candidate to serve the remainder of her term through December 31, 2028. Walker cited a desire to usher in new leadership and spend more time with family in her retirement announcement.

Morrisey signed House Bill 2003, legislation that bans the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices in kindergarten through twelfth grade classrooms during instructional time. The bill requires county boards of education to establish policies for device storage during the school day and to set consequences for violations. Morrisey stated that the measure addresses classroom distractions, academic misconduct, and bullying while also responding to concerns about student mental health and development related to device usage.

Morrisey and the West Virginia Legislature did not allocate new drought mitigation funds in the 2025-2026 state budget despite the state experiencing a historic drought in 2024 that left lingering effects including below-average soil moisture levels across much of West Virginia. The budget decision left approximately $300,000 remaining from a $10 million emergency drought fund from the previous year to address ongoing agricultural recovery needs. Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt stated that the state was "starting in a deficit" without additional drought preparedness resources.

State Superintendent of Schools Michele Blatt issued a memorandum to county superintendents on Friday requiring schools to abide by West Virginia's mandatory immunization program for the 2025-26 school year, citing the lack of legislative change to state law permitting religious or philosophical vaccine exemptions. Blatt rescinded the memorandum later that same evening following pressure from Governor Morrisey. Morrisey had previously signed Executive Order 7-25 on January 14, 2025, directing the state health officer to establish a process for parents to request religious or philosophical exemptions to school vaccinations, and the Department of Health subsequently issued 186 exemption requests under this order between late March and the time of the memorandum.

Governor Patrick Morrisey issued Executive Order 7-25 during his initial time in office, which directed the development of a vaccine exemption policy for school vaccine mandates based on religious and moral beliefs. State Superintendent of Schools Michelle Blatt initially issued a memo to county superintendents stating that no religious exemption existed under West Virginia law, but subsequently rescinded the memo at Morrisey's request. Delegate Kathie Hess Crouse criticized the initial memo as defiant of the governor's executive order and called for enforcement of the exemption policy.

West Virginia experienced higher-than-expected tax collections in April 2025, resulting in a $237 million surplus in the general revenue fund for fiscal year 2025, according to reports from the state Department of Revenue and Senate Finance Committee. Governor Morrisey signed the fiscal year 2026 general revenue budget of $5.318 billion on April 17, 2025, and issued 29 line-item vetoes that reduced the budget to $5.28 billion. The governor's office recommended supplemental appropriations using one-time surplus monies, which lawmakers approved at more than $126.2 million, including allocations for the state Medicaid program and the Hope Scholarship educational voucher program.

Morrisey signed an executive order establishing religious and philosophical exemptions to school entry vaccine requirements for measles, mumps, rubella, and polio, after a legislative bill to accomplish the same outcome failed in the state legislature. The executive order remains in effect, requiring schools to accept unvaccinated students with qualifying exemptions. State Superintendent Michele Blatt subsequently issued guidance allowing exemptions for the current school year through May 2025 but announcing that religious exemptions would not be permitted for the 2025-2026 school year.

Morrisey and the West Virginia Legislature did not include drought mitigation funds in the state's 2025-2026 budget despite ongoing drought conditions affecting the state. The previous year's $10 million in emergency drought assistance approved in September had been nearly fully expended on farmer assistance projects including water source development and pasture renovation. Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt indicated that additional drought preparedness funding would be beneficial as soil moisture levels remained below historical averages entering the growing season.

Senate Bill 565 became law in West Virginia on April 30, 2025, without Governor Patrick Morrisey's signature, expanding the scope of practice for optometrists to permit certain surgical procedures previously restricted to ophthalmologists. The legislation takes effect on July 9, 2025, and allows optometrists to perform minor eye surgeries and manage certain eye conditions. Supporters stated the law addresses access to eye care in rural areas of the state, while opponents raised concerns about expanding surgical practice to professionals without surgical training.

Senate Bill 565 became law in West Virginia on April 30, 2025, without Governor Morrisey's signature. The legislation expands the scope of practice for optometrists to include certain surgical procedures previously restricted to ophthalmologists. The law takes effect on July 9, 2025.

Senate Bill 705, passed during the 2025 West Virginia legislative session, requires the West Virginia Board of Education to submit all new rules to a legislative committee for review. Morrisey allowed the bill to become law without affixing his signature. The legislation revives a longstanding dispute over educational authority in the state, following a 1988 West Virginia Supreme Court ruling that granted the Board of Education "general supervision" of public schools and a 2022 voter rejection of a constitutional amendment that would have expanded legislative oversight.

Governor Morrisey signed House Bill 3016 into law on May 1, 2025, during a ceremony at the West Virginia State Capitol attended by State Attorney General J.B. McCuskey and state legislators. The legislation requires registered voters to present a valid photo identification at the polls, effective for all elections after July 11, 2025, and eliminates previously accepted forms of identification such as hunting and fishing licenses or utility bills. The law includes two exceptions allowing voters to bring an acquaintance who has known them for at least six months or to be vouched for by a poll worker with six months of prior knowledge.

Governor Morrisey signed House Bill 2014, the Power Generation and Consumption Act, into law at a ceremony in Point Pleasant on April 30, 2025. The legislation establishes a certified microgrid program and expands the number of small electrical grids permitted to operate in West Virginia. The law is designed to attract artificial intelligence companies that require substantial electrical capacity.

Morrisey signed House Bill 2014, the microgrid bill, into law during a ceremony in Point Pleasant on Wednesday, which modifies state code restrictions on microgrids to facilitate data center development and artificial intelligence infrastructure projects. He also signed House Bill 2002, which establishes an expedited permit system for state-issued permits. The signing took place near the proposed Mountaineer GigaSystem site, a joint energy production and data center project by Fidelis and Babcock & Wilcox.

Morrisey signed House Bill 2003 into law on April 29, 2025, which prohibits students from using smartphones in public school classrooms throughout West Virginia. Under the legislation, county boards of education establish specific terms governing when and where smartphones may be used, along with penalties for student violations, while creating exemptions for educational purposes and student-specific needs. The bill grants teachers authority to confiscate devices and enforce penalties against students using phones during class time.

Morrisey announced plans to call a special legislative session of the West Virginia Legislature focused on addressing rising premiums for the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency, adjusting the school aid formula, and considering teacher pay raises. The governor stated he was beginning the process of research and consultations with affected parties to determine the timing and details of the session. Morrisey indicated he would provide notice of the session timing in the coming months after completing preparatory work with legislators and stakeholders.

Morrisey signed Senate Bill 280, legislation that restricts the use of cellular phones by students during instructional time in West Virginia schools. Morrisey also signed a separate bill requiring public schools to display "In God We Trust" posters in school buildings. The bill signing ceremony took place at Lincoln Middle School in Harrison County.

Morrisey signed 209 of 249 bills passed during the West Virginia Legislature's 2025 regular session, with 40 bills remaining under review as of late April 2025. The governor vetoed Senate Bill 369, which would have authorized miscellaneous boards and agencies to promulgate legislative rules, citing concerns about the measure's provisions. Morrisey also exercised line-item veto authority to strike approximately 30 items worth $100 million from the annual budget bill, citing anticipated fiscal challenges related to Medicaid, the Public Employees Insurance Agency, and potential federal code changes.

Governor Morrisey signed HB2014, the Microgrid bill, during the 2025 legislative regular session in West Virginia. The legislation establishes a Certified Microgrid Program administered by the Division of Economic Development to incentivize development of independent energy grids designed to attract high-energy-consuming industries such as data centers. The bill also includes provisions prioritizing West Virginia coal for existing and new energy capacity and requiring utilities to maintain plants to operate at optimum levels.

Governor Patrick Morrisey signed House Bill 2067, which shields firearm manufacturers from civil liability when their products are used to commit crimes. Morrisey also signed House Bill 3342, which prohibits financial institutions from discriminating against firearm entities or trade associations in their business practices. The governor additionally signed Senate Bill 270, which ensures that firearm licensing and sales cannot be suspended during declared states of emergency.

Morrisey signed House Bill 2067, the West Virginia Firearms Liability Act, which makes it unlawful to sue firearms companies over the actions of gun owners. Morrisey also signed House Bill 3342, the Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act, which prohibits financial institutions from de-banking firearms companies or firearms trade associations. Additionally, Morrisey signed Senate Bill 270, which declares the sale and manufacture of firearms as essential businesses during declared emergencies.

Morrisey signed Senate Bill 196, known as Lauren's Law, into law during a ceremony in Morgantown on Thursday. The legislation increases penalties for bringing controlled substances into the state, drug conspiracy, and drug delivery resulting in death, while also establishing new provisions regarding drug kingpins and clarifying recidivist statutes and parole restrictions. The law is named after Lauren Cole, a 26-year-old Morgantown resident who died from an overdose in July 2020.

On April 24, 2025, Governor Morrisey signed Lauren's Law, legislation that increases penalties for drug trafficking in West Virginia. The bill was signed at Lauren's Wish, a Morgantown nonprofit organization named after Lauren Cole, who died in 2020 after consuming drugs containing fentanyl without her knowledge. The law raises criminal sentences for individuals convicted of selling fentanyl and other controlled substances that result in death.

In March 2025, Morrisey announced that West Virginia had been granted a 90-day extension to submit the state's final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The extension request followed conversations between Morrisey and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick regarding potential changes to the BEAD program. West Virginia had been awarded $1.2 billion through the BEAD program in June 2023 under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Morrisey reiterated his plan to call the West Virginia Legislature into special session to address changes to the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency, citing rising PEIA premium costs as an issue requiring focused legislative attention. The governor stated he would issue a proclamation calling the special session after making progress in the coming months, though he did not announce a specific date. Morrisey also indicated the special session call would include consideration of the state school aid formula and tax code simplification.

Governor Morrisey announced plans to call a special legislative session later in 2025 to address several policy concerns, with particular emphasis on the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) health insurance plan for state employees. Morrisey made the announcement during a press conference at West Virginia Independence Hall in Wheeling on April 23, 2025, while highlighting legislative accomplishments from his first 100 days in office. The governor identified PEIA reform as a complicated issue requiring additional legislative attention beyond the regular session that had concluded.

Morrisey signed legislation banning certain food dyes and additives in food products sold in West Virginia, which became effective 30 days prior to a federal announcement. Morrisey appeared at a press conference in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday where U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary announced a national phase-out of eight petroleum-based synthetic food dyes. The FDA established a national standard and timetable for companies to eliminate Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1 and Blue No. 2 by the end of 2026, while revoking authorization for Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B within several months.

Governor Morrisey appointed Lance Yardley as acting commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation following the departure of incumbent commissioner William Marshall III, who was selected by President Donald Trump to lead the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons. Yardley had served as deputy commissioner of the division since 2024 and previously held positions at multiple West Virginia correctional facilities. The appointment was announced on Monday.

Governor Morrisey has signed approximately 30 bills into law following the conclusion of the West Virginia Legislative session, including the state budget, while vetoing only one measure. More than 100 additional bills await his action before the end-of-month deadline, including House Bill 2003, which would prohibit cell phones in classrooms. The bills pending the governor's signature also encompass measures on elections, healthcare, economic development, and energy initiatives such as the Certified Microgrid Program.

Governor Morrisey proposed House Bill 2014, the Certified Microgrid Program, which modifies West Virginia state code to remove restrictions on microgrid construction to incentivize data center development in the state. The original proposal allocated property tax revenues from data center projects with 60% directed to the Personal Income Tax Reduction Fund, 15% to the Closing and Promotion Fund, 15% to the Electronic Grid Stabilization and Security Fund, and 10% to the General Revenue Fund. The version that passed the Legislature increased the portion of tax revenues allocated to counties following concerns raised by county government representatives.

Justice Beth Walker announced her retirement from the West Virginia Supreme Court effective June 27, 2025, in a letter to Chief Justice William Wooton. Governor Patrick Morrisey will appoint a replacement justice to fill the vacancy, with the Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission collecting applications and making recommendations to the governor. Voters will elect a candidate to serve the remainder of Walker's term, which is scheduled to end December 31, 2028.

Morrisey signed the Riley Gaines Act into law during a ceremony at the state Capitol, legislation that codified the definitions of "sex," "male," and "female" in West Virginia law. The bill was supported by anti-transgender activist Riley Gaines, who attended the signing ceremony. Morrisey championed the legislation as part of a broader slate of bills aligned with conservative priorities considered during the 2025 legislative session.

Governor Patrick Morrisey attended a Trump administration ceremony where President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at supporting the coal industry, including orders to reinvigorate coal production, prevent regulatory overreach by state governments, and strengthen national electric grid reliability. The executive orders rolled back regulations that industry representatives characterized as restrictive to coal operations. State officials and industry stakeholders including the West Virginia Coal Association and United Mine Workers of America president attended the signing event.

Morrisey signed House Bill 2026, the Fiscal Year 2026 budget bill, into law on April 19, 2025, while exercising his line-item veto power on 29 items within the legislation. The governor eliminated more than $100 million in transfers of surplus funds and made additional reductions totaling over $7 million across various state programs and agencies, including cuts to education initiatives, library services, and state employee funding. Morrisey stated that the vetoes were necessary to maintain fiscal responsibility and flexibility given the state's six-year financial outlook and anticipated challenges involving Medicaid and federal spending changes.

Morrisey signed House Bill 2026, the state budget for fiscal year 2026 beginning July 1, into law on Thursday after the legislative session concluded. The signed version of the budget eliminated several funding allocations that the legislature had included in the bill prior to its passage. Morrisey's office had projected a roughly $400 million budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year, which the governor attributed to the use of one-time funding sources for ongoing expenses by his predecessor.

Senate Bill 474, legislation that would end diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives statewide, was a key component of Morrisey's legislative agenda during the 2025 legislative session. The bill completed legislative action in the state Senate on Saturday night. Senate Democrats subsequently submitted a formal letter to Senate President Randy Smith contending that the bill did not properly complete legislative action and should not be enrolled, authenticated, or presented to the Governor for approval.

Morrisey signed Senate Bill 199 into law on April 15 at Ripley Elementary School in the presence of fifth-grade students and Senator Amy Grady, the bill's lead sponsor and chair of the West Virginia Senate Education Committee. The legislation addresses school discipline policies in West Virginia. Morrisey spoke to students and community members about the significance of the enacted law.

Morrisey signed Senate Bill 199 into law on Tuesday at Ripley Elementary School in Jackson County. The legislation creates a process allowing teachers in kindergarten through sixth grade to exclude students from the classroom who exhibit violent, threatening, intimidating, or disruptive behaviors that interfere with the learning environment. Students removed under this process are directed to school counselors, social workers, psychologists, or behavior specialists who conduct functional behavioral assessments and develop behavior plans.

Governor Morrisey signed Senate Bill 199 into law on April 15, 2025, at Ripley Elementary School in the presence of fifth-grade students. The legislation permits kindergarten through sixth-grade teachers to remove students from their classrooms for extreme disciplinary issues and requires that removed students be assessed and placed on a behavioral plan. Morrisey stated that the measure provides teachers with necessary tools to maintain classroom control and learning environments.

On the final day of the 2025 Legislative Session, Morrisey signed House Bill 2014, also known as the Power Generation and Consumption Act, which creates a certified microgrid program designed to increase energy resilience and grid stability while incorporating West Virginia's coal and natural gas resources. The legislation establishes reinvestment funds intended to lower income taxes, drive local economic growth, and enhance infrastructure. Morrisey also signed Senate Bill 461, which launches a Permitting Dashboard as part of the "One Stop Shop Permitting Program" to streamline business permitting processes in the state.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey's House Bill 20214, the Certified Microgrid Program or Power Generation and Consumption Act, completed passage in the West Virginia Legislature on the final day of the regular legislative session and was sent to Morrisey's desk for signature. The legislation modifies state code restrictions on microgrids to enable companies to construct data centers that support artificial intelligence operations. Morrisey stated the bill would increase West Virginia's capacity for data center economic development projects and reduce income taxes.

In 2023, then-Attorney General Morrisey settled a lawsuit against Juul Labs for $7.9 million, alleging the e-cigarette company was marketing products to underage users and engaging in unfair or deceptive practices in West Virginia. The settlement designated funds for youth prevention efforts related to tobacco use. During the 2025 legislative session, a bill to appropriate these settlement funds toward tobacco cessation and prevention programs failed to pass in committee in the final hours of the session.

Governor Morrisey shepherded Senate Bill 474, legislation ending diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives statewide, through the legislative process during the 2025 session. The West Virginia Senate passed the bill in the final hours of the legislative session after suspending rules to address a late-night technical error, though ranking members questioned whether the procedural steps taken were entirely legal. The passage of Senate Bill 474 prompted discussion among legislators about potential legal challenges to the bill's enactment.

Governor Patrick Morrisey signed Senate Bill 468, the Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act, which allows out-of-state licensed and certified professionals to work in West Virginia without completing redundant local licensure examinations. The legislation was passed by the West Virginia Legislature on the final day of the 2025 Legislative Session as part of Morrisey's broader policy agenda. The bill aims to reduce regulatory requirements, lower healthcare costs, attract residents, and create jobs in the state.

The West Virginia Legislature passed House Bill 2755, which grants the state Legislature final authority over policies enacted by the state Board of Education, requiring Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability approval before full legislative review. The bill advanced through the state Senate on Friday and the House of Delegates on Saturday with a 66-32 vote, sending it to Governor Patrick Morrisey for signature or veto. The legislation represents a shift in power between the Legislature and the independent Board of Education, despite West Virginia voters rejecting a similar constitutional amendment in November 2022 by a margin of 58% to 42%.

The West Virginia Legislature passed Senate Bill 299, which would eliminate existing exemptions to the state's 2023 ban on gender-affirming care for minors. Under current law, minors diagnosed with severe gender dysphoria could receive hormone therapy or puberty blockers if two physicians determined the treatment medically necessary and parents consented; SB 299 would close this exemption entirely. The bill awaits Governor Patrick Morrisey's signature to become law.

Morrisey introduced House Bill 2014, the Power Generation and Consumption Act, during the 2025 West Virginia legislative session to attract high-impact industrial businesses and data centers to the state. The legislation streamlines development through regulatory exemptions in designated microgrid districts, establishes special valuation and tax distribution frameworks for data centers, and creates an Electric Grid Stabilization and Security Fund. The bill passed both chambers following Senate amendments to the revenue distribution formula and House amendments to those Senate changes, ultimately being sent to Morrisey's desk on the final day of the 60-day session.

The West Virginia House of Delegates voted to approve House Bill 3297 on the final day of the 2025 legislative session, which would require West Virginia University to establish the Washington Center for Civics, Culture and Statesmanship. The center would focus on disseminating knowledge about classical western history and culture. The measure requires approval from the governor to become effective.

The West Virginia Senate passed House Bill 2014, the Certified Microgrid Program, which Governor Patrick Morrisey introduced to modify state code restrictions on microgrids and attract data center investments to the state. The Senate version altered the distribution of property tax revenues from data center projects, allocating 50% to the Personal Income Tax Reduction Fund, 40% to the host county, 5% to all counties statewide, 3% to the Low Income Energy Assistance Fund, and 2% to the Electronic Grid Stabilization and Security Fund, differing from Morrisey's original proposal. The bill passed with a 32-to-1 vote and required approval from the West Virginia House of Delegates before returning to Morrisey for final consideration.

Governor Patrick Morrisey attended President Trump's White House signing ceremony on April 9, 2025, where Trump signed four executive orders designed to support the coal industry, including provisions to reinvigorate coal production, prevent state regulatory overreach, and strengthen national electric grid reliability. Morrisey expressed support for the orders through a social media post stating it was a significant day for West Virginia's coal industry and jobs. The executive orders drew backing from other West Virginia officials and the United Mine Workers of America, though union leadership noted the need for long-term solutions beyond immediate relief measures.

Morrisey, as Governor of West Virginia, was present at a media event in Martinsburg on March 28 where discussions regarding potential changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were held alongside United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The state and federal governments were evaluating modifications to SNAP that could alter eligibility requirements and program parameters. The proposed adjustments to the federally funded nutrition assistance program were characterized as preliminary steps in a broader policy review process.

Morrisey identified microgrids as one of his top legislative priorities for the year, with House Bill 2014 serving as the legislative vehicle to expand microgrid deployment in West Virginia. County officials testified against provisions in the bill that would divert local property taxes from those facilities to the state. The Senate and House proceeded with consideration of the bill during the final stages of the legislative session.

The West Virginia House of Delegates voted 90 to 9 on April 11, 2025, to pass Senate Bill 837, which would eliminate the West Virginia Office of Equal Opportunity. The office had been established by lawmakers in 2022 with the responsibility of ensuring state compliance with non-discrimination and disability accommodation laws. Lead sponsor Senator Patricia Rucker cited the argument that the office's functions already fall under the existing West Virginia Division of Personnel.

The West Virginia Senate refused to concur with amendments to Senate Bill 50, which would require local elections to align with statewide elections, sending the bill back to the House of Delegates for reconsideration. The most recent House amendment changed the implementation deadline from 2032 to 2028, which Senate Majority Leader Patrick Martin stated would make compliance difficult for municipalities. The bill has undergone multiple revisions since its introduction, with the deadline previously adjusted from an immediate implementation to 2030 and then to 2032 before the House's latest modification.

The West Virginia Senate passed House Bill 2008, House Bill 2009, and House Bill 2013, three bills requested by Governor Morrisey on April 8, 2025. House Bill 2008 would restructure the Department of Economic Development into a division within the Commerce Department and retain the Division of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Section within the DNR. House Bill 2009 would close the Department of Arts, Culture and History and transfer its sections to the Department of Tourism, while House Bill 2013 would exempt new hires in five state departments from the civil service system beginning July 1.

Morrisey urged West Virginia lawmakers to pass House Bill 2014, which would authorize data centers to operate their own microgrids powered by coal during the final days of the legislative session in April 2025. The governor stated that the legislation aligned with President Trump's national energy agenda and would create jobs and revenue while establishing a steady market for West Virginia coal production. Morrisey also praised executive orders signed by President Trump aimed at increasing coal production through loosened restrictions and resumed coal leasing on public land.

Morrisey urged lawmakers to advance House Bill 2014 during the final days of the legislative session in 2025. The bill would authorize data centers to operate microgrids powered by coal, which Morrisey stated would align with the national energy agenda while generating jobs and revenue for West Virginia by creating a steady market for state coal production. Appalachian Power and Mon Power expressed concerns that the legislation could increase costs for customers by requiring greater coal usage instead of cheaper natural gas alternatives.

The West Virginia Senate Economic Development Committee approved House Bill 2014 on April 9, 2025, following a three-and-a-half-hour meeting that included testimony from multiple witnesses. The bill would expand the number of microgrids in the state to support artificial intelligence and data centers as a priority initiative of Governor Morrisey. County officials from Jefferson, Berkeley, Greenbrier, and Putnam Counties testified during the committee meeting regarding concerns about the diversion of local property tax revenue to state coffers under the bill's provisions.

Governor Morrisey expressed support for Senate Bill 196, known as "Lauren's Law," which increases penalties for drug offenses involving fentanyl, LSD, PCP, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin in West Virginia. The bill, named after a 26-year-old Morgantown resident who died from a fentanyl overdose in 2020, includes mandatory minimum sentences that limit parole eligibility for certain drug crimes. The House Judiciary Committee approved a substitute version of the bill in April 2025 and sent it to the full House for consideration.

Morrisey signed five bills into law on Tuesday, April 9, 2025, including Senate Bill 823, which clarifies duties between the West Virginia Division of Emergency Management and Department of Environmental Protection, and House Bills 2043, 2387, 2516, and 3192, which addressed hunting regulations, pistol stamps, and obsolete state code provisions. Morrisey celebrated Senate passage of House Bills 2008, 2009, and 2013, which comprise his government reorganization initiative by converting the Department of Economic Development to a division within the Commerce Department, closing the Department of Arts, Culture and History to consolidate it into the Department of Tourism, and exempting new hires in five state departments from the civil service system. These actions brought Morrisey's total bills signed during the 2025 legislative session to 25.

Morrisey requested House Bill 2002, which the West Virginia Senate passed during its Wednesday floor session. The bill establishes an online permitting dashboard to expedite state-issued permits for construction, economic development, infrastructure, and natural resource projects across multiple state departments, and includes a fast-track option with increased fees and a money-back guarantee if agencies fail to meet specified deadlines. Morrisey introduced the permitting reform concept during his February State of the State address, describing it as necessary to reduce delays in transportation, manufacturing, and energy construction projects.

Governor Patrick Morrisey introduced Senate Bill 474, legislation that would eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs and related positions across West Virginia's executive branch, public schools, and higher education institutions. The bill defines DEI in ways encompassing efforts to address disparities based on race, ethnicity, and sex, and mandates equal treatment based on color-blind and sex-neutral principles in recruitment, hiring, promotion and training. SB 474 restricts certain concepts related to race, ethnicity and sex in primary and secondary education curricula while exempting academic course instruction, research, student organizations, and offices focused on federal and state anti-discrimination law compliance.

Governor Morrisey signed Senate Bill 458, the Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act of 2025, into law on April 7, 2025. The legislation establishes a professional licensing reciprocity system that recognizes licenses issued by other states for nurses, doctors, contractors, and other skilled workers, allowing them to practice in West Virginia upon establishing residency. Morrisey characterized the measure as part of his economic strategy to address the state's workforce participation challenges and population decline.

The West Virginia House Judiciary Committee advanced Senate Bill 474 on Tuesday, legislation that would restrict diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across state government and state-funded educational institutions. The bill would eliminate DEI offices and programs, prohibit hiring practices designed to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in state government, and forbid DEI training as a job requirement. The committee proceeding included vocal opposition from some House members, though the legislation moved forward in the legislative process.

Morrisey signed Senate Bill 458, which establishes universal licensing reciprocity for workers licensed in other states. The legislation applies to numerous regulated occupations including dentists, pharmacists, attorneys, architects, veterinarians, and massage therapists. Morrisey stated the measure is intended to make West Virginia more competitive in attracting qualified workers to the state.

Senate Bill 458, which provides occupational licensing reciprocity for licensed and certified professionals to practice in West Virginia without additional examinations, passed both chambers of the West Virginia Legislature and was expected to be signed by Governor Morrisey. The legislation removes barriers for out-of-state professionals seeking employment in nursing, dentistry, dental hygiene, and related fields. The West Virginia Hospital Association and West Virginia Dental Association supported the measure in response to ongoing shortages of medical and dental service providers across the state.

The West Virginia House of Delegates passed House Bill 2026, its Fiscal Year 2026 budget bill, on a vote of 80-17 on Friday. The House's $5.1 billion budget was approximately $208 million less than the budget proposal submitted by Governor Patrick Morrisey. The bill now proceeds to the West Virginia Senate for consideration.

Governor Morrisey vetoed Senate Bill 369, a rules bundle bill, on April 1, 2025, citing concerns that its regulation of political action committees was imprecise and unwieldy and would likely cause confusion for those participating in the political process. The West Virginia Senate amended and re-passed the bill during a floor session on April 3, 2025, after the governor's veto. Secretary of State Kris Warner released a statement expressing frustration with the veto, noting that the rules bundle had undergone public review and comment for at least eight months before passage.

Morrisey backed three bills that advanced through the West Virginia Senate Government Organization Committee on Thursday, with recommendations for passage to the full Senate. House Bill 2008 would convert the Department of Economic Development into a division within the Commerce Department, House Bill 2009 would close the Department of Arts, Culture and History and transfer its sections to the Department of Tourism, and House Bill 2013 would exempt new hires at five state agencies from the civil service system beginning July 1. All three bills had previously passed the West Virginia House of Delegates.

Morrisey presented the West Virginia Medal of Valor to Darrell Lambert of Mill Creek and Donald Larsen of New Martinsville during a ceremony at the state Capitol on April 3, 2025. Lambert, a volunteer firefighter with the Lake Volunteer Fire Department, rescued a woman from a structure fire while off-duty and without protective equipment, sustaining burns in the process. Larsen, a member of the New Martinsville Police Department, entered a carbon monoxide-filled residence and removed multiple unconscious residents to safety.

The West Virginia House of Delegates passed a committee substitute for Senate Bill 458, the Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act, in a 97-0 vote on Monday, March 31, 2025. The bill, introduced on behalf of Governor Patrick Morrisey, would establish universal licensing reciprocity in West Virginia, allowing professional boards to grant licenses to individuals who have been licensed in another state for at least one year and meet specified education, work experience, and conduct requirements. The measure now returns to the state Senate for concurrence with House amendments before proceeding to Morrisey's desk.

Governor Morrisey requested that West Virginia lawmakers consider legislation to allow data centers to establish microgrids, self-contained power generation systems independent from the state's electrical grid. The West Virginia House of Delegates passed House Bill 2014 on April 1, 2025, which implements this policy by permitting data centers to operate their own power supplies. Morrisey and supporters of the measure stated that granting developers greater control over energy resources could increase data center development and employment opportunities in West Virginia.

Governor Morrisey announced a four-pillar health initiative for West Virginia in March 2025 with the support of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The plan includes implementation of a law Morrisey signed banning certain food dyes and preservatives, expansion of work and training requirements for SNAP recipients, and a voluntary exercise program called the "Mountaineer Mile" encouraging daily walking. Morrisey stated the food safety law represents the first step toward healthier eating habits and that work participation requirements would apply to SNAP recipients with the ability to work outside of limited exceptions.

Governor Patrick Morrisey announced on March 28, 2025, that West Virginia received a 90-day extension to submit its final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, extending the state's deadline to August 2025. The state will use the additional time to align its final proposal with changes to the BEAD program being proposed by the Trump administration. West Virginia is eligible to receive up to $1.2 billion from the $42.45 billion federal grant program authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Morrisey signed House Bill 2354 into law, which bans certain food dyes from school meals. The governor held a media event in Martinsburg on Friday alongside U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to discuss the legislation and additional health priorities for West Virginia and the nation.

Governor Morrisey issued an executive order banning state programs and funding connected to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The West Virginia Senate passed Senate Bill 474 on March 26, 2025, in a 32-2 vote, codifying Morrisey's executive order by prohibiting DEI offices, hiring, trainings, and related activities within state executive agencies, primary and secondary schools, and institutions of higher education. The bill was sent to the House of Delegates for consideration.

Governor Patrick Morrisey signed House Bill 2354 on Monday, which bans artificial food dyes including FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, and FD&C Yellow No. 6, as well as the preservatives butylated hydroxyanisole and propylparaben from food products sold in the state and food served in schools. The ban for school lunches takes effect August 1, 2025, while the ban for commercially sold items takes effect January 1, 2028. Morrisey stated in announcing his signature that West Virginia should lead the "Make America Healthy Again" mission referenced by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Morrisey addressed a meeting of gas and oil industry leaders at the West Virginia Capitol to discuss House Bill 2014, which proposes establishing microgrids and data centers within the state. Morrisey described the legislation as a mechanism to retain profits from the state's natural resources within West Virginia rather than allowing them to leave the state. The bill represents Morrisey's plan to expand these infrastructure projects as part of the state's economic development strategy.

Both chambers of the West Virginia Legislature passed a bill banning seven artificial food dyes and two preservatives from products sold in the state beginning in 2028, with the measure awaiting Governor Morrisey's signature. The beverage industry has raised concerns that the ban could affect approximately 50 percent of current beverage inventory and result in layoffs and wage reductions at manufacturing facilities. The bill's economic effects remain uncertain pending the governor's decision on whether to sign the legislation.

On March 25, 2025, Morrisey signed House Bill 2354, legislation that bans specified food additives and dyes from schools in West Virginia beginning in August 2025 and from statewide retail sale beginning in 2028. The banned substances include preservatives such as butylated hydroxyanisole and propylparaben, as well as food dyes including Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Red No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6. West Virginia became the first state to enact such comprehensive food additive restrictions, with California having previously passed similar but narrower legislation.

Morrisey announced the Power Generation and Consumption Act, legislation designed to expand the number of microgrids permitted in West Virginia and remove the requirement for partial renewable energy use in their operations. House Bill 2014, which implements this plan, establishes a valuation system for high-technology data center property and allocates resulting tax revenues to multiple state funds including an Electric Grid Stabilization and Security Fund. The bill has advanced through the legislative process with support from the state legislature, industry organizations, and economic development leaders.

Governor Morrisey reaffirmed support for West Virginia's coal industry in connection with the Coal Renaissance Act, a concurrent resolution adopted by the West Virginia Senate and pending before the House of Delegates. The resolution directs the West Virginia Department of Commerce, West Virginia Coalfield Development, West Virginia Public Energy Authority, and West Virginia Office of Energy to develop strategies to increase coal production and in-state coal consumption. Morrisey highlighted West Virginia's status as the second-largest coal producer in the United States and noted that coal provides 86 percent of the state's electricity generation.

House Bill 2354, which has passed the West Virginia Legislature, awaits action by Gov. Patrick Morrisey. The bill would ban specific artificial food dyes including FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, and FD&C Yellow No. 6, as well as the preservatives butylated hydroxyanisole and propylparaben from food products sold in the state. School food service restrictions would begin August 1, while commercial bans would take effect January 1, 2028.

Governor Patrick Morrisey indicated his intention to sign House Bill 2354, which would ban specific artificial food dyes and preservatives including butylated hydroxyanisole, propylparaben, and various FD&C dyes from commercially sold food products and school meals in West Virginia. The ban on school meals would take effect August 1, 2025, while the ban on commercially sold items would take effect January 1, 2028. Morrisey stated he was examining the legislation closely while also considering concerns raised by opponents regarding job protection and economic impacts.

Governor Morrisey unveiled the Power Generation and Consumption Act, legislation designed to modify state restrictions on microgrids to attract artificial intelligence data center investments to West Virginia. The bill would increase the number of allowable microgrids in the state from two and remove requirements that microgrids be partially powered by renewable energy. Tax revenues generated from data center investments would be allocated to personal income tax reduction, economic development, grid stabilization, and the state general revenue fund.

Governor Morrisey announced the Power Generation and Consumption Act, legislation designed to expand microgrid development in West Virginia by modifying current state code restrictions on microgrids and permitting such sites to utilize fossil fuel energy sources including coal and gas-generated power. The governor stated the bill aims to attract data center investments from technology companies requiring substantial electrical capacity for artificial intelligence operations. Morrisey characterized the microgrid expansion as an economic development strategy that would leverage the state's natural resources to support data center infrastructure.

Governor Morrisey introduced Senate Bill 460 to modify exemptions in West Virginia's school-age immunization program, which initially removed religious and philosophical exemptions while relaxing medical exemption requirements. The West Virginia House of Delegates spent nearly two and a half hours debating amendments to the bill on Friday, ultimately voting 51-44 to adopt a House Health and Human Resources Committee amendment that struck the religious exemption language but retained provisions allowing licensed medical professionals to issue medical exemptions with specified protections from disciplinary action. Senate Bill 460 was scheduled for third reading and passage on Monday following the House's rejection of an attempt to suspend constitutional rules requiring three-day bill readings.

Both chambers of the West Virginia Legislature passed a bill banning seven artificial food dyes and two preservatives from products sold in the state beginning in 2028, which awaits Governor Morrisey's signature. The legislation has generated concerns from beverage industry representatives and labor unions regarding potential job losses and market disruption, with some estimating the ban could affect approximately 50 percent of beverage inventory. No economic impact analysis was completed prior to the bill's passage through the legislature.

Governor Morrisey's administration became involved in the West Virginia Coal Renaissance Act, a concurrent resolution adopted by the West Virginia Senate that directs the West Virginia Department of Commerce, West Virginia Coalfield Development, West Virginia Public Energy Authority, and West Virginia Office of Energy to develop strategies for expanding coal production and in-state coal consumption. The resolution, designated SCR 18, establishes oversight by the Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee with quarterly reporting to the Legislative Joint Committee on Government and Finance. The initiative directs exploration of new coal-fired plants, coal-to-products operations, regulatory provisions for plant efficiency and maintenance, and measures to prevent premature closure of existing coal facilities.

Governor Morrisey signed Senate Bill 490 in March 2025, which prohibits the use of ranked choice voting in any public election in West Virginia, effective June 5, 2025. The bill passed the state Senate on March 4 and the House of Delegates on March 7. Ranked choice voting, which allows voters to rank candidates by preference, had not been used in West Virginia prior to the legislation.

Governor Morrisey backed House Bill 2014, introduced in March 2025, which aimed to establish microgrids in West Virginia to power data centers. The bill included three provisions affecting coal-burning power plants in the state: requiring them to operate at a 69% capacity factor, mandating a 45-day coal supply at each facility instead of 30 days, and establishing related operational requirements. Appalachian Power indicated that operating coal plants at the higher capacity factor would not be economically viable given competition from natural gas facilities.

Gov. Morrisey is expected to sign House Bill 2354, legislation that would ban specific food dyes and preservatives including butylated hydroxyanisole, propylparaben, and seven FD&C dyes from commercial food products and school meals. The bill would prohibit the dyes in school lunches beginning August 1 and ban the dyes and preservatives in commercially sold items beginning January 1, 2028, with exceptions for small businesses and bake sales. According to state lawmakers who met with Morrisey, the governor indicated he would sign the legislation after the sponsors addressed his concerns during the legislative process.

Governor Morrisey announced his support for House Bill 2014, the Power Generation and Consumption Act, introduced in March 2025, which would enable the creation of microgrids to power data centers in West Virginia using coal and natural gas. Morrisey characterized the legislation as an economic development opportunity to attract high-skilled jobs and position the state as a data center hub in competition with nearby Virginia. The bill would allow data centers to operate on fossil fuel-powered microgrids within the state.

House Bill 2354, which bans specific food dyes and preservatives in products sold in West Virginia, completed the legislative process on Friday and was sent to Governor Patrick Morrisey's desk. The bill prohibits the preservatives butylated hydroxyanisole and propylparaben, as well as seven specified FDA-approved food dyes, with additional restrictions on their use in school meals and exemptions for small businesses selling less than $5,000 in aggregate adulterated food per month. The legislation also includes exemptions for food items sold at school fundraisers held away from school property or at least 30 minutes after the school day ends.

Morrisey visited the Blue Creek Coal Processing Plant in Kanawha County and stated that "coal is back" and that West Virginia has an opportunity to power the energy needs of the country through coal, gas, water and other forms of energy. The state Senate advanced State Senate Concurrent Resolution 18, which directs the West Virginia Department of Commerce, West Virginia Coalfield Development, West Virginia Public Energy Authority and West Virginia Office of Energy to develop strategies to expand West Virginia's coal industry. The West Virginia Coal Renaissance Act seeks to fully develop coal production and in-state coal consumption through new coal-fired and coke plants, coal-to-products operations, regulatory provisions for coal plant upgrades and maintenance, and measures to prevent premature closure of existing coal plants.

Morrisey appointed Republican Ian Masters to the forfeited 91st District House of Delegates seat after the West Virginia House declared the position vacant on January 8 following the arrest of the previous occupant, Joseph de Soto, on charges of making terroristic threats. Morrisey cited de Soto's election as a Republican as the basis for appointing a Republican successor. A lawsuit challenging the appointment was dismissed by the West Virginia Supreme Court on March 13, 2025, which ruled it lacked jurisdiction because the required 30-day notice to Morrisey had not been provided before the writ of mandamus was filed.

The West Virginia Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by the state Democratic Party and Berkeley County resident Jill Michaels challenging Governor Morrisey's appointment of Republican Ian Masters to the 91st House District seat. The court ruled that the plaintiffs failed to file a timely notice of the lawsuit as required by state code, which mandates a 30-day notice to state government entities before filing suit. Morrisey had appointed Masters to fill the vacancy after the House declared the seat forfeited when the elected delegate Joseph de Soto was unable to take his oath of office due to criminal charges.

Governor Patrick Morrisey requested two bills to consolidate state government departments, which the West Virginia House of Delegates passed on March 11, 2025. House Bill 2008, which passed 61-37, would merge the West Virginia Department of Economic Development into the West Virginia Department of Commerce, while House Bill 2009, which passed 72-25, would abolish the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History and transfer its sections to the West Virginia Department of Tourism. Both bills now proceed to the West Virginia Senate for consideration.

Morrisey signed Senate Bill 456, known as the Riley Gaines Act, into law on March 12, 2025, following its passage through the legislature on Tuesday. The legislation defines sex under state law as the sex assigned at birth, establishing that individuals retain this legal designation regardless of subsequent gender identity or transition. The law applies to access policies for bathrooms, locker rooms, and shelters designated by biological sex.

Governor Patrick Morrisey signed Senate Bill 456, the Riley Gaines Act, into law on March 12, 2025, during a ceremony at the West Virginia state Capitol. The legislation codifies definitions of terms including "sex," "male," and "female" with the stated purpose of preserving access to restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters in facilities where women have traditionally had privacy. The bill completed the legislative process after the House of Delegates concurred with a Senate amendment that removed a provision allowing health care providers to examine children to determine biological sex without parental consent.

Governor Morrisey signed Senate Bill 456, which defines the terms "men" and "women." The legislation was part of a ceremonial bill signing event held by the governor. The bill was among pending legislation discussed as affecting school systems and students in West Virginia.

Morrisey announced the launch of the "Tourism Works" program, a free online training initiative developed by the West Virginia Department of Tourism under Secretary Chelsea Ruby. The program was unveiled during Tourism Day at the Capitol and is designed to provide training opportunities for individuals seeking experience in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Morrisey stated that the tourism industry generates $8.7 billion in annual spending and supports approximately 60,000 to 73,000 jobs in the state's leisure and hospitality sectors.

The West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee laid over Senate Bill 727, which would have required the Department of Human Services to commission an independent third-party audit of the state's child welfare system with a completion deadline of September 1, 2026. The committee decided to delay action on the bill after receiving testimony from newly appointed DoHS Cabinet Secretary Alex Mayer, who stated he did not believe a third-party audit was necessary and expressed commitment to implementing internal reforms to address systemic issues in child welfare operations. Governor Patrick Morrisey would have been required to consider the audit's recommendations in future legislative proposals had the bill proceeded.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced the distribution of federal funds for addiction and recovery services to multiple West Virginia recipients on March 10, 2025, including $80,000 to the Mid-Ohio Valley Fellowship Home, $60,000 to the Berkeley County Commission, $56,000 to the Tucker County Commission, and $80,000 to the West Virginia Sober Living Program through the U.S. Department of Justice's Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant and Substance Use Program. Morrisey stated his administration would collaborate with the West Virginia First Foundation, the counties, and the federal government to address drug addiction from supply, demand, and educational perspectives. The West Virginia First Foundation currently holds more than $225 million from opioid-related legal settlements that the state has obtained against pharmaceutical companies and distributors.

Morrisey announced that four West Virginia organizations secured federal grants from the United States Department of Justice's Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant and Substance Use Program. The Mid-Ohio Valley Fellowship Home, the Berkeley County Commission, the Tucker County Commission, and West Virginia Sober Living each received tens of thousands of dollars in federal funding. The grants support efforts to identify, respond to, treat, and assist individuals impacted by illicit opioids, stimulants, and other drugs in West Virginia.

Governor Morrisey requested Senate Bill 456, which would define terms related to sex and gender in West Virginia state code, and the bill passed the House of Delegates on Friday with a vote of 87-9. The legislation codifies definitions of terms such as "sex," "male," and "female" in state law. The bill previously passed the Senate and will return there for consideration of House amendments before proceeding to the governor's desk if approved.

The West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Senate Bill 264, which would reinstate capital punishment in the state for the intentional killing of law enforcement officers and emergency responders. The bill includes provisions for post-conviction DNA testing and potential relief for individuals convicted based on faulty evidence. Committee members discussed the legislation during a March 6, 2025 meeting, with Senator Garcia raising concerns about the measure's implications.

The West Virginia House of Delegates passed Senate Bill 490 on Friday with an 87-9 vote, prohibiting ranked choice voting in all elections throughout the state. The bill had previously passed the state Senate on a 31-2 vote on Tuesday. The legislation now awaits consideration by Governor Patrick Morrisey.

Governor Patrick Morrisey introduced Senate Bill 474, which seeks to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, training, activities, offices, and officers from West Virginia's executive branch, primary and secondary schools, and higher education institutions. The West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee recommended an amended version of SB 474 for passage on March 6, 2025, following a request to waive the second committee reference to the Senate Finance Committee. The bill builds on an executive order Morrisey signed in January 2025 that prohibited state departments and agencies from using DEI programs and state taxpayer dollars for DEI-related initiatives.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey issued an executive order in his first full day in office directing the state's universities to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The order prompted a rally at Marshall University where more than 150 students protested the proposed cuts to DEI-related programs and expressed concerns about the impact on support services and academic pathways. Students participating in the demonstration cited the elimination of centers supporting LGBTQ students and racial minorities as a significant loss to campus community resources.

Governor Patrick Morrisey requested legislation that became Senate Bill 456, which the West Virginia Senate passed 32-1 on March 3, 2025. The bill codifies definitions of "sex," "male," and "female" in state law and designates restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters in public facilities including schools, universities, and correctional institutions for exclusive use by either males or females, with limited exceptions. The bill now proceeds to the West Virginia House of Delegates for consideration.

State Treasurer Larry Pack presented projections to the House Educational Choice Subcommittee indicating that participation in West Virginia's Hope Scholarship program is expected to double in the 2025-2026 school year, with enrollment potentially reaching 19,000 children and per-pupil allocations increasing to approximately $5,500. The Hope Scholarship, enacted by the Legislature in 2021 and implemented in 2023, allows parents to direct a portion of per-pupil state education funding toward educational expenses including private school tuition, religious school tuition, homeschooling, and tutoring. Governor Morrisey has included expansion of school choice options as part of his education policy priorities.

Governor Morrisey stated his continued commitment to repealing West Virginia's certificate of need program after the House of Delegates Health and Human Resources Committee voted down House Bill 2007 in February 2025. During a press conference, Morrisey indicated that additional legislative activity on the issue would occur in the coming weeks and referenced potential tools available through the executive branch to advance the objective. The certificate of need program, established in 1977 and administered by the West Virginia Health Care Authority, requires health care providers to obtain regulatory approval before expanding services or making capital expenditures exceeding $5.8 million.

Governor Morrisey identified the expansion of school vaccine exemptions and the repeal of West Virginia's certificate of need process as early administrative priorities upon entering office in January. Senate Bill 460, which would exempt West Virginia students from school-entry vaccination requirements on religious or philosophical grounds, gained traction in the legislature during the third week of the legislative session. Morrisey stated on Friday that despite some bills' specifics diverging from his initial proposals, he expected to achieve his legislative goals on both issues.

Governor Morrisey introduced House Bill 2008, legislation to consolidate six executive branch departments into three by returning the Department of Economic Development as a division within the Department of Commerce, eliminating the Department of Arts, Culture and History by placing its divisions within the Department of Tourism, and assigning the adjutcat general of the West Virginia National Guard the dual role of cabinet secretary for the Department of Homeland Security. The House Government Organization Committee heard testimony on the bill in February 2025, with the Governor's Office stating the reorganization aimed to streamline service delivery and reduce operational inefficiency. House committee members expressed concerns during the hearing regarding provisions in the bill that would remove employment protections for new hires in the consolidated departments.

The West Virginia House Government Organization Committee adopted a committee substitute to House Bill 2008 on February 27, 2025, substantially reducing Gov. Patrick Morrisey's proposed executive branch reorganization plan. The amended bill limited the consolidation to combining the Department of Economic Development with the Department of Commerce as a division, removing provisions that would have eliminated the Department of Arts, Culture and History and consolidated the adjutant general role with the Department of Homeland Security cabinet position. The committee substitute would convert the cabinet-level secretary position of the Department of Economic Development into an executive director position reporting to the Department of Commerce's cabinet secretary.

Governor Morrisey signed an executive order expanding the Hope Scholarship program, West Virginia's educational voucher initiative that allows parents to direct per-pupil education funding toward private schools, religious schools, homeschooling, tutoring, and other educational expenses. The program, which began in 2023 with 2,300 participants, was projected to reach approximately 19,000 students by the 2025-2026 school year with per-child allocations of approximately $5,500. The expansion followed the program meeting enrollment benchmarks in July that triggered eligibility expansion beginning in fiscal year 2027 to encompass all school-age children statewide.

Morrisey announced a partnership between Fidelis and Babcock & Wilcox to develop the BrightLoop power generation facility at the Mountaineer GigaSystem Site in Mason County. The facility will supply power to the planned Monarch AI Data Center System using coal, natural gas, and biomass resources. Morrisey stated the project could generate over 3,000 jobs in technical, construction, and installation roles over a ten-year period.

Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that a hydrogen-fueled microgrid would be constructed in Mason County to power a data center development called the Mountaineer Gigasystem Site. To enable this project, state lawmakers must approve Senate Bill 552, which would allow microgrids to be powered by any source of electricity rather than exclusively renewable sources. The Senate Economic Development Committee approved SB 552 on Tuesday, though the committee heard testimony regarding potential impacts on utility bills.

Morrisey's office advanced the Riley Gains Act through the House Judiciary Committee, legislation that defines gender and limits transgender access to certain public spaces in West Virginia. During committee discussion, the director of policy from the Governor's Office testified that the bill does not establish a confirmation system for enforcement and leaves implementation decisions to local governments. The bill moved forward in the committee process following the hearing.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted West Virginia primacy authority to regulate Class VI wells, which are used for underground carbon dioxide storage, making West Virginia the fourth state to receive such delegation. Under this authority, Morrisey and state officials gained the ability to oversee the permitting and regulation of Class VI wells through state law and regulations rather than federal EPA regulations, while the EPA retained oversight authority. The delegation streamlines the permitting process for carbon dioxide injection projects and positions the state to develop carbon capture and storage infrastructure.

Morrisey presented a $5.3 billion general revenue budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026 during his State of the State address in February 2025. The proposal included a $397 million budget gap that the State Budget Office characterized as a budgeting tool rather than a structural deficit. The West Virginia Legislature received the proposal for review and has until April 12, 2025, to pass a budget bill for Morrisey's consideration.

The West Virginia Senate passed Senate Bill 139 on February 21, 2025, which modifies the procedures for filling vacant legislative seats. The bill requires appointees to reside in their specific district for one year before taking office, rather than the previous requirement of living in the same county for one year. The legislation also grants appointment authority to the political party of the most recent officeholder in the vacant seat.

Governor Morrisey expressed support for Senate Bill 460, which would expand vaccine exemptions for children in West Virginia schools. The bill requires public and private schools to accept students with religious or philosophical vaccine exemptions and removes mandated reporting requirements for students receiving such exemptions. The legislation modifies an original proposal from Morrisey's office by eliminating the reporting provisions.

West Virginia was granted Class VI well primacy by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, becoming the fourth state to receive such authority. The primacy allows West Virginia to oversee the permitting and regulation of Class VI wells used to inject carbon dioxide underground for long-term storage, rather than having the EPA administer these functions directly. The state demonstrated it possessed the legal authorities and processes required to administer the Class VI program under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Governor Morrisey introduced Senate Bill 460, which would allow parents and guardians to object to the state's mandatory school immunization program by citing religious or philosophical beliefs. The bill would permit unvaccinated children to participate in extracurricular activities and enable civil suits against schools that discriminate against such students. Morrisey had previously issued an executive order directing the state health officer to accept religious and philosophical exemptions to the school-age immunization mandate.

West Virginia received formal authority from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to oversee and administer the Class VI well program within the state, making it the fourth state to receive such primacy. Class VI wells are used to inject carbon dioxide deep underground for long-term storage as part of carbon capture and storage technology. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin signed the approval at a ceremony on Tuesday alongside Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and other state representatives.

The West Virginia Senate Health and Human Resources Committee recommended Senate Bill 299 for passage, which modifies state regulations on gender-affirming care for minors by prohibiting physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses from providing gender reassignment surgeries and gender-altering medications to individuals under 18. The bill removes a previous exception that allowed hormonal therapy for severe gender dysphoria under specific conditions and establishes that violations constitute unprofessional conduct subject to disciplinary action by licensing boards. If the legislation passes the Legislature and Governor Morrisey approves it, the changes would take effect on August 1 with no grandfather provision for individuals currently receiving treatment.

The West Virginia Senate rejected an amendment to Senate Bill 460 offered by Senate Minority Leader Woelfel and state Senator Weld that would have preserved mandatory polio vaccination requirements while allowing religious and philosophical exemptions to other vaccines in a 10-21 vote on February 18, 2025. Senate Bill 460 would permit parents and guardians to object to the state's mandatory immunization requirements for public, private, and religious schools by citing religious or philosophical beliefs, while allowing exempted children to participate in extracurricular activities and enabling civil suits against schools that discriminate against these students. The bill proceeded to third reading for a Senate vote on Wednesday following the rejection of multiple bipartisan amendments.

Morrisey issued a State of Emergency Declaration for thirteen West Virginia counties following severe flooding and high water conditions across a multi-county area in February 2025. During a Monday morning briefing, Morrisey reported one confirmed fatality, several missing persons, nearly 40 water rescues, and over 30,000 residents without electricity, while noting that water rescue resources including five vehicles, two boats, and one trailer had been deployed to affected areas. Morrisey stated he had contacted U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem regarding federal assistance for the state's response efforts.

Morrisey confirmed one flooding fatality in West Virginia and declared 13 counties in a state of emergency following severe flooding from swollen rivers including the Tug Fork River and Bluestone River. Morrisey reported that more than 38 swift water rescues had been conducted across the state and that structural damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure continued to mount. Morrisey stated that several people remained missing and indicated that additional information would be released as it became available.

Governor Morrisey submitted a Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal of $5.3 billion in general revenue to the West Virginia House of Delegates. State revenue officials reported to the House Committee on Finance that revenue collections were estimated to grow by just over 1% in FY 2026 compared to the previous year, with an official revenue estimate of $5.323 billion. The modest growth projection reflected flat or declining conditions in most revenue sources, with growth primarily in sales tax and insurance tax collections.

Governor Morrisey issued an executive order directing the development of a policy to recognize religious and conscientious objections to mandatory vaccines for attendance at public schools and state-supported child care centers in West Virginia. Senate Bill 460, a committee substitute that would create religious and philosophical exemptions to the state's school vaccination requirements, advanced from the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee and was scheduled for a full Senate vote. The legislation would allow parents or guardians to exempt their children from vaccination requirements by submitting a written statement indicating that mandatory vaccines conflict with their religious or philosophical beliefs, while exempted students would remain eligible to participate in extracurricular activities and school-based events.

Morrisey announced one week into his term as governor that he had inherited a projected $400 million budget deficit for the fiscal year beginning in July, with projections indicating the deficit would grow to over $600 million within two years. Morrisey stated that the previous administration under Justice had not adequately funded a $1 billion annual reduction in personal income taxes implemented during that period. The announcement contradicted public statements made by Justice regarding the state's financial condition at the conclusion of his governorship.

During interim legislative meetings in February 2025, the West Virginia Joint Standing Committee on Health received testimony regarding proposed repeal of the state's certificate of need program, which has regulated health care facility development since 1977. Morrisey did not testify or take a public position on the matter during the hearing. The committee heard arguments from repeal supporters, including the Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy, and from opponents including the West Virginia Hospital Association, ahead of the 2025 legislative session.

During his first week in office, Morrisey announced that West Virginia faced a projected budget deficit of approximately $400 million, with projections indicating further deterioration in subsequent fiscal years. Morrisey attributed the deficit to structural issues inherited from the previous administration, citing the use of one-time funds to cover ongoing expenses such as Medicaid costs rather than establishing consistent funding sources. The state legislature subsequently faced the challenge of adapting to Morrisey's revised budget proposals as federal funds supporting various social services were set to expire.

Governor Patrick Morrisey issued Executive Order 3-25, which directed state-funded entities to cease support for diversity, equity, and inclusion staff positions, activities, procedures, and programs. Marshall University President Brad Smith responded by announcing the institution's commitment to merit-based hiring, equal pay for equal work, and compliance with federal and state law. Smith noted that Marshall University had already restructured its DEI division in April 2023 into the "Marshall for All" program, which the university stated was designed to ensure all students had equal opportunity.

Gov. Morrisey delivered his first State of the State address before a joint session of the West Virginia Legislature on Wednesday evening, officially launching the 2025 regular session. During the address, Morrisey outlined his administration's priorities and presented details on his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which identified a projected budget shortfall of more than $400 million attributed to reliance on one-time revenues and rising costs in healthcare and education. The governor's budget proposal included specific figures on funding pressures across multiple areas, including a $153 million Medicaid shortfall, a $47 million increase needed for corrections, $62 million in new general revenue required for PEIA, and over $100 million in additional base education costs.

Governor Morrisey signed a letter of intent on February 6, 2025, expressing West Virginia's intention to join the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's 287(g) program. The 287(g) program, authorized under Section 287(g) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, would authorize state correctional officers to transfer inmates with immigration detainers into federal ICE custody. West Virginia intends to utilize the Warrant Service Officer Model of the program, which allows trained and certified correctional officers to execute administrative immigration warrants on noncitizens held in state facilities.

Governor Morrisey signed a letter of intent on Thursday formally notifying the federal government of West Virginia's participation in the 287(g) program, which grants designated state corrections officers authority to perform immigration enforcement functions including transferring inmates from state custody to federal custody without requiring an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent to be present. According to Morrisey, the program will accelerate the deportation process for inmates in West Virginia correctional facilities who are in the country illegally. Morrisey stated that the measure addresses delays caused by ICE agent availability in state facilities.

Morrisey signed an executive order on his first day in office directing the state Bureau for Public Health to develop a school vaccine exemption plan based on religious and conscientious objections. The Bureau for Public Health submitted guidance to Morrisey's office prior to the February 1, 2025 deadline outlining steps for individuals to opt out of school immunization requirements. The executive order also directed the bureau and health officer to propose necessary legislation and rules to implement exemptions and to report the number of written objections filed against existing vaccine requirements.

Morrisey announced the appointment of Alex Mayer as secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services on February 3, 2025. Mayer, a U.S. Army veteran, previously served as chief of Children and Family Services for South Dakota. The appointment follows the 2024 reorganization of the former West Virginia DHHR into three separate agencies.

Gov. Morrisey issued an order to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programming from state government and institutions receiving state funds. Following this directive, West Virginia University announced the closure of its Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office, which will be reorganized as the Division of Campus Engagement and Compliance with a refocused mission on federal and state compliance requirements. Morrisey stated the closure represented "a big win for the state" in a public statement.

On January 30, 2025, Governor Morrisey issued Executive Order No. 10-25 and sent a letter to local law enforcement directing state and local agencies to coordinate with federal immigration enforcement efforts in response to President Trump's January 20 executive order titled "Securing Our Borders." Morrisey stated that as of Wednesday night, 72 individuals in West Virginia had been identified by law enforcement agencies as illegal immigrants, with ten having been transferred to Kentucky by Thursday morning. The governor announced the state would provide partnership and support to federal authorities on immigration enforcement matters.

West Virginia University announced it will close its Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and replace it with the Division of Campus Engagement and Compliance, citing compliance with Governor Patrick Morrisey's Executive Order No. 3-25 and President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14151. Both executive orders prohibit organizations receiving government funds from supporting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The new division will focus on compliance with Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act under the leadership of Vice President Meshea Poore.

Morrisey signed an executive order directing state agencies to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to implement the Trump administration's immigration executive order in West Virginia. The governor's office sent a letter to law enforcement agencies throughout the state urging cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts. As of the announcement, more than 70 individuals believed to be in the country illegally had been detained in West Virginia, with more than 60 held in the state's jails and prisons.

Morrisey held a press conference on January 28, 2025, to address projected budget shortfalls facing West Virginia's state budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Morrisey identified specific budget obligations including $67 million for PEIA and $153 million for state Medicaid match funding, and indicated his administration was conducting line-by-line budget reviews with all cabinet secretaries. Morrisey stated his administration would work to analyze the impact of a Trump administration federal funding freeze on the state's budget situation.

Morrisey announced the appointment of Ryan Kennedy as secretary of veterans assistance in the governor's administration. Kennedy, a former Clarksburg mayor and U.S. Army veteran, stated that his initial priority would be to assess the finances of the Department of Veterans Assistance before the state legislature's regular session beginning February 12. Kennedy indicated his role would focus on serving West Virginia veterans through care provision, claims assistance, and benefit support services.

Gov. Morrisey announced three final Cabinet appointments on January 28, 2025: Jim Seward as adjutant general of the West Virginia National Guard, Ryan Kennedy as secretary of veterans affairs, and Jim Mitchell as superintendent of West Virginia State Police. The governor also announced several staff appointments and discussed a projected structural budget deficit of $400 million for Fiscal Year 2026, stating he would submit detailed budget proposals to the legislature on February 12. Morrisey indicated he does not intend to raise taxes to address the projected deficit.

Governor Morrisey responded to President Trump's executive orders on energy policy by stating that West Virginia would partner with the Trump administration to grow the state's energy economy and achieve energy independence. Morrisey's statement indicated the state would work to implement Trump's orders directing federal agencies to suspend or rescind policies restricting energy production and promoting American energy production. The governor connected Trump's energy orders, which included withdrawing from the Paris Climate Treaty and terminating the Biden administration's electric vehicle mandate, to his administration's stated alignment with the Trump presidency.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted West Virginia Class VI Underground Injection Control primacy, authorizing the state to oversee and administer permitting and regulation of Class VI wells used for carbon dioxide injection and long-term storage. Morrisey stated that primacy opens the door for new investment and job creation in the state's energy, manufacturing, and petrochemical sectors while significantly reducing emissions. West Virginia became the fourth state to receive this authority from the EPA.

Morrisey issued executive orders during his first week in office establishing an "economic backyard brawl" strategy to review state taxes, regulations, and workforce rules in comparison with neighboring states. The governor also signed executive orders prioritizing school choice as an administration priority and terminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in state government. Morrisey announced plans to consolidate several state departments as part of efficiency goals and continued naming cabinet members during his initial days in office.

Morrisey issued multiple executive orders during his first week in office, including directives to launch an "economic backyard brawl" strategy comparing West Virginia's taxes and regulations to neighboring states, to make school choice a priority for his administration, and to terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in state government. Additionally, Morrisey ordered a comprehensive review of all major spending decisions in the current fiscal year and announced plans to merge certain state departments while continuing Cabinet appointments.

Governor Morrisey ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at the West Virginia Capitol Complex and all government buildings in Marion County on January 27, 2025, to honor former Delegate Michael J. Angelucci II. Angelucci served as a paramedic and administrator for Marion County Rescue Squad for nearly 25 years before being elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 2018. He was recognized as Marion County Public Servant of the Year in 2020 and was active in community organizations including the United Way of Marion County.

Following his inauguration, Governor Morrisey appointed Dr. Arvin Singh to serve as the head of the Department of Health, replacing Dr. Sherri Young. Morrisey stated that Singh's experience and vision for healthcare would support West Virginia's public health leadership. Young departed the position after serving as cabinet secretary and previously as director of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department during the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Governor Morrisey appointed Ian Masters, a lawyer and gun lobbyist from Gerrardstown, to fill the West Virginia House of Delegates 91st District seat representing Berkeley County. Masters took the oath of office on Friday following the formal vacation of the seat by House Republicans earlier in January. The appointment occurred amid a lawsuit filed by the state's Democratic party seeking a role in selecting a delegate to the vacant seat, with the dispute remaining unresolved ahead of the February 12 legislative session start date.

Morrisey, as West Virginia's former Attorney General, negotiated a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, with West Virginia receiving up to $55 million as part of the agreement. The settlement held the Sacklers accountable for their role in marketing and distributing OxyContin, which contributed to widespread opioid addiction and overdose deaths across the state. Morrisey praised the settlement through a social media post, stating he had fought to hold the Sacklers and the company responsible for years.

Morrisey announced the creation of the Energy, Infrastructure and Competitiveness Council as part of his economic strategy and appointed Todd Johnston, his deputy chief of staff, to serve as chair of the new body. The council will coordinate efforts across the governor's office, the Department of Environmental Protection, the transportation secretary, and commerce and economic development staff to address economic growth and governmental efficiency. A stated focus of the council will be to expedite and streamline the state's permitting process for energy and infrastructure projects.

West Virginia Attorney General McCuskey announced a $7.4 billion settlement between Purdue Pharma, the Sackler family, and fourteen states including West Virginia regarding the opioid crisis. Under the agreement, the Sackler family will pay upwards of $6.5 billion over fifteen years while Purdue Pharma will pay approximately $900 million, subject to approval by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. West Virginia's share of the settlement could reach as much as $55 million, to be distributed according to the West Virginia First Foundation memorandum of understanding.

Governor Morrisey issued an executive order on diversity, equity and inclusion that the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia characterized as broadly written in ways that could infringe on the free speech rights of college educators and limit classroom discussions. The ACLU-WV warned in a press release that the order's language could prohibit discussions of Dr. Martin Luther King's life and work in classrooms and cautioned that the state risked costly litigation if the governor's office did not revise the order. The announcement was made during the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Morrisey voted in favor of S.5, the Laken Riley Act, which passed the U.S. Senate on January 20, 2025, in a 64-35 vote. The legislation requires undocumented immigrants arrested for certain theft-related misdemeanors to be held without bail in federal detention and subject to deportation, and permits state attorneys general to sue federal agencies to enforce the act's provisions. The bill was named after Laken Riley, a nursing student killed by an undocumented immigrant previously arrested for shoplifting.

Advocates called on Governor Morrisey to include funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs in his upcoming budget proposal, which he announced would be released before the 2025 legislative session. The request followed Morrisey's receipt of settlement funds from JUUL Labs as the state's attorney general, with advocates noting that West Virginia spends less than 1% of its tobacco settlement earnings on smoking prevention programs. The American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network specifically requested that Morrisey allocate $4.5 million toward tobacco control initiatives in the proposed budget.

Morrisey released a statement praising President Donald Trump's executive orders signed on his first day in office regarding energy policy, including orders declaring a national energy emergency, directing federal agencies to suspend policies restricting energy production, terminating the electric vehicle mandate, and withdrawing from the Paris Climate Treaty. Morrisey stated that these orders would "grow West Virginia's energy economy, produce good-paying jobs and help the state achieve President Trump's goal of becoming energy independent and energy dominant." Morrisey indicated his administration would partner with Trump's administration to advance these energy policies.

Morrisey announced the discovery of a $400 million budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2026 during a press conference, attributing the shortfall to structural problems including heavy reliance on one-shot revenues and rising educational costs. Morrisey stated he would submit a proposed budget within the following month containing his administration's solutions to address the deficit. Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw responded that legislative staff had no advance notice of the announcement and lacked information on how the governor's team calculated the $400 million figure, noting that executive branch reports from the previous month had presented a substantially different financial picture.

On his first day in office, Governor Morrisey signed Executive Order No. 3-25, which directs state government entities and recipients of state funds to cease utilizing resources for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, staff positions, or activities that grant preferential treatment based on race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin. The order also prohibits state entities from mandating participation in training or education programs that promote such preferences, or requiring loyalty oaths or ideological declarations based on protected characteristics. The American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia subsequently requested the governor reconsider the order, stating it could expose the state to litigation and potentially infringe on free speech rights.

Morrisey announced plans to merge the Department of Commerce with the Department of Economic Development, and to merge the Department of Arts, Culture and History with the Tourism Department. The proposed reorganization would reverse restructuring enacted in March 2021 under then-Governor Jim Justice, when legislation elevated the West Virginia Development Office and West Virginia Tourism Office to Cabinet-level status as separate entities. Morrisey indicated additional department consolidation proposals would follow in the coming weeks.

Governor Patrick Morrisey announced on January 16, 2025, three days into his term, plans to consolidate four state agencies into two departments through legislation. Morrisey proposed combining the Department of Arts, Culture and History with the Department of Tourism, and the Department of Commerce with the Department of Economic Development, stating he would work with the West Virginia Legislature to enact these changes. Morrisey indicated that additional department consolidations would be proposed beyond these initial restructuring measures.

Governor Morrisey held a press briefing on January 16, 2025, to announce his administration's assessment of West Virginia's budget situation, which projects a deficit of approximately $400 million for the fiscal year beginning in July. Morrisey stated that the state's structural budget problems stem from reliance on temporary revenue sources for ongoing expenditures and failure to account for increasing demand on state funds for social services. Morrisey indicated his administration would implement "belt-tightening" measures to address the projected shortfall and anticipated deficits in subsequent fiscal years.

Morrisey issued an order on January 17, 2025, directing flags at the West Virginia Capitol and other governmental buildings to be raised to full staff on January 20, 2025, for the inauguration of President Donald Trump. The flags were subsequently to be returned to half staff on January 21, 2025, in observance of former President Jimmy Carter's death. Several other state governors, including those of North Dakota, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and Iowa, issued similar orders regarding flag positioning for the inauguration.

Governor Morrisey signed an executive order on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in his first days in office that bars entities receiving state funds from maintaining DEI programs, positions, or mandatory education and training that grants preferences based on demographic characteristics. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) issued a press release stating the executive order violates the First Amendment and restricts classroom discussion in state universities. FIRE called on Morrisey to rescind or amend the executive order.

Governor Morrisey issued an executive order allowing religious and moral exemptions to school vaccination requirements, enabling children to attend public school without previously mandated vaccines upon submission of a written parental objection. The Harrison-Clarksburg Board of Health discussed the department's role following the executive order, with Health Officer Dr. Nancy Joseph stating that the health department would continue to support, educate, and encourage immunization among the public. Morrisey directed the state Bureau for Public Health and the next state health officer to submit guidance on implementing the exemption policy.

Morrisey signed several executive orders on his first day in office in January 2025, including orders prioritizing school choice and stating intentions to reduce the state income tax further. In his inaugural address, Morrisey committed to cutting the state income tax below the rates of neighboring states and returning funds to residents. State Treasurer Larry Pack, inaugurated alongside Morrisey, indicated plans to work with the governor's office to expand the Hope Scholarship Program and pursue additional income tax reductions.

The West Virginia Democratic Party filed a writ of mandamus with the state Supreme Court of Appeals seeking to require Governor Morrisey to appoint a replacement for House of Delegates seat 91st District from three candidates submitted by the Berkeley County Democratic Executive Committee. The lawsuit was filed after the House of Delegates voted on January 8 to declare the seat vacant following former delegate-elect Joseph de Soto's inability to take his oath due to home confinement related to felony charges. The case names both House Speaker Roger Hanshaw and Morrisey as defendants and requests the court either seat de Soto as lawfully elected or require Morrisey to select from the Democratic Committee's three nominees: David Michaels, Stephen Willingham, and Timothy Lee.

Gov. Morrisey announced Cabinet appointees including Dr. Matthew Herridge as secretary of commerce, Chelsea Ruby as secretary of tourism, and Dr. Arvin Singh as secretary of health during a press conference on January 16, 2025. Morrisey stated plans to seek legislation from the West Virginia Legislature to merge the Department of Commerce with the Department of Economic Development and to combine the Department of Arts, Culture and History with the Department of Tourism. Morrisey indicated that additional departmental consolidation and merger proposals would be announced in the coming weeks.

Morrisey scheduled a press conference for Thursday afternoon to discuss the state budget's financial condition and share findings regarding projected revenues and expenditures. Shortly after his inauguration, Morrisey signed four executive orders directing the review of state spending, examination of regulations and licensing requirements, assessment of government efficiency, and initiation of an economic competition strategy with neighboring states. These actions were undertaken as Morrisey prepared to submit a budget proposal to the state legislature the following month.

On his first day as Governor, Morrisey issued an executive order interpreting the 2023 Equal Protection for Religion Act to establish religious exemptions to school-entry vaccination requirements in West Virginia. The action was intended to align West Virginia's vaccine requirements with the religious protections established in the 2023 legislation. Morrisey indicated the executive order represented the first step in a two-step process, with the second step involving clarification of specific vaccine laws by the state legislature.

Governor Patrick Morrisey signed an executive order on January 14, 2025, directing the state Bureau for Public Health and the state health officer to submit guidance by February 1, 2025, regarding school vaccine exemptions based on religious and moral beliefs. The order requires the submission of a proposal for necessary legislation and rules to enable statewide exemptions to compulsory school immunization requirements, as well as data on the number of written objections already filed. Morrisey stated the executive order builds on legislation passed by the West Virginia Legislature in 2023.

On January 14, 2025, Governor Morrisey held his first press conference in office and announced eight executive orders along with administrative priorities for his administration. Among the priorities outlined were a review and reduction of state government rules, regulations and spending, and work with the legislature to prioritize school choice. The executive orders announced included the elimination of diversity equity and inclusion initiatives in state-funded programs and implementation of religious exemptions for vaccines.

On his first official day in office on January 14, 2025, Governor Morrisey signed multiple executive orders focused on government efficiency and fiscal review. The orders included directives to review all major spending decisions of $100,000 or more from the previous fiscal year, to examine state regulations and tax policies in comparison with neighboring states, and to require all state agencies and boards to develop plans for increased operational efficiency. Additionally, Morrisey issued executive orders establishing school choice as an administration priority and directing the termination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within state government.

Jim Justice was sworn in as West Virginia's junior senator on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, with the oath administered by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa while Senator Shelley Moore Capito held the Bible. Justice, a Republican and former governor, was elected in November 2024 to succeed Senator Joe Manchin. Justice delayed his swearing-in until after Governor Patrick Morrisey's inauguration on Monday to avoid a procedural scenario involving temporary Senate succession.

Morrisey, upon his inauguration as West Virginia's 37th governor, stated his intention to continue working toward elimination of the state's personal income tax, following guidance from former Gov. Jim Justice in a farewell address to the legislature. Justice had previously signed multiple personal income tax reductions into law during his tenure, including House Bill 2625 in March 2023, which reduced the tax rate by 21.25% initially, with subsequent reductions of 4% and 2% following in the same year. Morrisey's stated plan aligns with legislative efforts, including those of newly elected Senate President Randy Smith, to advance further reductions in the state's personal income tax.

Patrick Morrisey was inaugurated as West Virginia's 37th governor on January 13, 2025, at the state Capitol in Charleston. During his inaugural address, Morrisey announced plans to launch a state-level version of the proposed Department of Government Efficiency, which he stated would conduct audits of government departments and agencies to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently. Morrisey pledged to streamline government operations and reduce what he characterized as waste and bureaucratic excess throughout state government.

During his inaugural address on Monday, Morrisey stated that increasing parental control over educational decisions would be central to his administration's plan to improve West Virginia's educational achievement. On Tuesday morning, Morrisey formalized this position by issuing an executive order designating school choice as a top priority for his administration. Morrisey indicated he would work with the Speaker of the House and Senate President to advance school choice initiatives and the Hope Scholarship program through legislation.

Patrick Morrisey was sworn in as West Virginia's 37th governor on January 13, 2025, following twelve years as the state's Attorney General. During his inauguration ceremony held on the Capitol's North steps, Morrisey pledged to pursue deregulation and economic growth as central elements of his administration. The inauguration also seated new judges to the Intermediate and Supreme Court of Appeals and five members of the Board of Public Works.

Morrisey took office as Governor of West Virginia in January 2025. Business leaders including West Virginia Chamber of Commerce President Steve Roberts and West Virginia Coal Association President Chris Hamilton expressed optimism regarding Morrisey's administration's potential to address economic growth in the state. Industry representatives identified equipment and inventory taxes as impediments to business establishment in West Virginia and indicated eagerness to work with the new administration on fiscal and regulatory matters.

Morrisey, serving as West Virginia Attorney General, announced criminal neglect charges against two Hopemont Hospital nurses in connection with the January 2024 death of an elderly nonverbal patient in state long-term care. Kylah Beard, a certified nursing assistant, and Delilah Clayburn-Hill, a registered nurse, were charged with felony neglect of an incapacitated adult by a caregiver resulting in death. The charges were filed by Morrisey's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit following investigation into the death of patient Larry Hedrick.

Morrisey announced that his Medicaid Fraud Control Unit filed criminal charges against two Hopemont Hospital nursing staff members, Kylah Beard and Delilah Clayburn-Hill, in connection with the January 2024 death of patient Larry Hedrick. Beard was charged with felony neglect of an incapacitated adult by a caregiver resulting in death for allegedly failing to check water temperature before submerging Hedrick in 134-degree water for 47 minutes, causing severe burns. Clayburn-Hill was similarly charged after investigators determined she failed to implement appropriate treatment for Hedrick's injuries after being informed of the burns and blisters, with the patient subsequently succumbing to his injuries on January 12, 2024.

Governor-elect Morrisey announced 15 appointments to his incoming administration during a press conference on Thursday, including members of his executive team and Cabinet heads to lead state agencies and departments. The appointments span positions within the governor's office and leadership roles across state government. Morrisey stated that the appointees reflect the administration's goal of repurposing and rightsizing government, consistent with his campaign platform emphasizing a comprehensive audit of state government.

Governor-Elect Morrisey warned Thursday that West Virginia may face budgeting challenges for fiscal year 2026 and encouraged state departments and agencies to prepare for potential streamlining. During a press conference announcing his incoming administration's cabinet members, Morrisey stated the state may experience a budget shortfall and indicated the fiscal year 2026 budget bill might involve cuts. Morrisey is scheduled to present the budget bill to the West Virginia Legislature on February 12, 2025, the first day of the 60-day regular legislative session.

On January 2, 2025, Morrisey announced ten members of his incoming administration's executive team and five cabinet heads ahead of assuming the governor's office on January 13. The executive team appointments included Tom McCaffery as Chief of Staff, Douglas P. Buffington II as Senior Advisor, and eight additional positions including General Counsel, Director of Policy, and Press Secretary. Cabinet appointments included Senator Eric Nelson as Secretary of Revenue, Delegate Eric Householder as Secretary of Administration, Alex Mayer as Secretary of Human Services, Harold Ward as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, and Dianna Graves as Commissioner of Bureau of Senior Services.

Governor-elect Morrisey appointed Senator Eric Nelson as secretary of revenue, Del. Eric Householder as secretary of administration, and former House of Delegates member Dianna Graves as commissioner of Bureau of Senior Services. All three appointees were current or former state legislators. Morrisey indicated additional personnel announcements would follow in the coming weeks.