West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB 4079

Introduced
1/14/26  

Caption

Eliminate woke, anti-women words from state government

Summary

HB 4079 is titled "Eliminate woke, anti-women words from state government" and, based on the available bill context, appears to be a proposal aimed at changing the language used in state government documents, communications, or policy. Because the bill text itself is not available in the provided materials, the specific terms to be removed or replaced are not identified here, but the caption indicates the measure is intended to restrict or prohibit certain words or phrases in official state usage. The bill was referred to the House Health and Human Resources Committee on January 14, 2026, suggesting it was being routed through the legislative process for review rather than having advanced to final passage. No committee transcript or vote record was provided, so the exact mechanics of the bill and any amendments are not available from the supplied record.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would likely affect state agencies, departments, and other government entities by requiring changes to official terminology, forms, guidance, or communications. Depending on the final text, it could also affect training materials, administrative rules, and public-facing documents, and could require agencies to revise existing language to comply with the new restrictions. Without the bill text, the specific statutes or code sections that would be amended cannot be identified.

Sentiment

The available context suggests the bill is framed in strongly ideological terms, using language that signals support for limiting what sponsors view as politically charged or gender-related terminology in government. However, because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes in the provided materials, there is no direct evidence here of broader legislative support, opposition, or debate dynamics. The referral to committee indicates the bill was still in an early stage of consideration.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the bill's purpose and framing: supporters would presumably view it as a measure to standardize government language or oppose what they consider ideological terminology, while opponents would likely see it as unnecessary, symbolic, or discriminatory toward women and gender-inclusive language. Since no discussion transcript is available, specific arguments from legislators or stakeholders cannot be confirmed from the record provided.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV HB2406

Eliminate woke, anti-women words from state government

WV HB2584

Elimination of Statewide Contracts that are awarded to out of state vendors

WV HB2924

To eliminate adverse possession from the state code of West Virginia

WV HB3307

Requiring annual audit of non-governmental organizations (“NGOs”) that receive money from the state

WV SB9

Eliminating tax exemption of state-owned real property

WV SB694

Protecting state and local government systems and data from foreign entities

WV HB2397

Prevent immediate family members from acting in a fiduciary capacity for the same governmental authority

WV SB928

Eliminating restriction to carry firearm in and on State Capitol Complex

WV HJR26

Relating to the elimination of the Independent Free School provisions from the Constitution

WV SB597

Eliminating restriction to carry firearm on State Capitol Complex grounds

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.