Votes at a glance: WV Senate approves mineral protections, consolidates preparedness classes, clarifies sheriff pay and adopts two resolutions

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — During its Jan. 22 floor session the West Virginia Senate adopted two resolutions and passed a slate of bills on third reading, including measures addressing mineral protections for carbon storage projects, state preparedness classifications and sheriff compensation.

Senate Resolution 12: Human Trafficking Awareness Month — Adopted
Senator from Ohio urged adoption of Senate Resolution 12 designating January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, describing trafficking as a pervasive, underreported crime that often targets children and foster youth. He cited, attributing to a former U.S. attorney, that "approximately 80 percent of children who are trafficked under the age of 10 are trafficked by a family member." The resolution was adopted by voice vote.

Senate Resolution 13: Dental Hygienists Day — Adopted (32–0–1)
The chamber recognized Jan. 23, 2026 as Dental Hygienists Day at the Capitol. The senior senator from 17th spoke about dental hygienists' role in preventive health and asked for recorded yeas and nays; the machine vote showed 32 yays, 0 nays, 1 absent.

Senate Bill 15: Protect coal and gas minerals from carbon capture and storage — Passed (32–0–1)
The engrossed committee substitute for SB15 requires broader geologic review of underground formations above and below proposed carbon storage zones to protect coal resources and natural gas storage operations. The junior senator from the second said the bill does not stop carbon storage projects but ensures planning and permitting protect existing mineral interests. The Senate passed the bill 32–0–1 and adopted a title amendment moved by Senator Rose; the action will be communicated to the House.

Senate Bill 66: Modify classes of state of preparedness — Passed (32–0–1)
SB66 collapses two code-defined classes of a state of preparedness into a single class, which may be proclaimed by the governor or by concurrent resolution of the legislature and would expire after 30 days unless extended. Senator from Randolph noted Department of Homeland Security support; the bill passed unanimously among those voting.

Senate Bill 207: Sheriff compensation for tax collection — Passed (32–0–1)
SB207 clarifies current code by specifying that the county commission determines when a sheriff has met the threshold to receive a fixed commission for collection of real and personal property taxes. The Senate approved the bill on third reading.

Procedure and next steps: Clerks were instructed to communicate Senate actions to the House for each passed bill and title amendment.