West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia Senate Bill SB 115

Introduced
1/14/26  

Caption

Repealing Workplace Freedom Act

Summary

SB 115 is titled the "Repealing Workplace Freedom Act." Based on the available bill metadata, the measure appears to repeal an existing state law commonly associated with workplace freedom or right-to-work policy. Because the bill text itself is not available in the provided materials, the exact statutory sections affected cannot be identified from the source text alone. In practical terms, a repeal of a workplace freedom act would likely remove or alter restrictions on union-security agreements and related labor-management rules, potentially changing the legal framework governing union membership, dues, and employment conditions in West Virginia. The bill was referred to the Senate Workforce Committee on January 14, 2026, indicating it is being considered within the committee responsible for labor and employment policy.

Impact

If enacted, SB 115 would likely amend or repeal provisions in West Virginia labor law related to workplace freedom/right-to-work protections, affecting employers, employees, and labor organizations. The bill could change the rules governing union dues, membership requirements, and collective bargaining arrangements, depending on the scope of the repealed act and any conforming amendments. Because the bill text is unavailable here, the specific code sections and downstream legal effects cannot be confirmed from the provided record.

Sentiment

The available record does not include committee testimony or recorded votes, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition from the discussion materials. The bill's title suggests it is likely to be politically significant and potentially contentious, since workplace freedom/right-to-work laws often draw strong reactions from labor advocates and business groups. The referral to the Workforce Committee indicates it is being handled as a labor-policy measure, but no vote history is available to show the level of support.

Contention

The main point of contention would likely be whether repealing the Workplace Freedom Act strengthens collective bargaining and union rights or, conversely, imposes new obligations on workers and employers. Labor organizations would typically favor repeal if it restores union-security options, while employer groups and right-to-work supporters would likely oppose it as a rollback of worker choice and business-friendly labor policy. Without transcripts, however, these positions are inferred from the bill title and subject matter rather than documented debate in the provided materials.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV SB636

Repealing Workplace Freedom Act

WV SB713

Creating WV Workplace Security Act

WV HB2857

Workplace bullying accountability

WV HB3071

Require all workplaces to keep Naloxone available in first aid kits and train employees in the use of Naloxone

WV HB3184

Local Government Freedom Act

WV SB588

Relating to WV Food Freedom Act

WV SB470

Creating WV Athletic Freedom Act

WV HB2455

Relating to creating the Birth Freedom Act

WV SB453

Repealing certificate of need process

WV SB478

Repealing athletic eligibility of transfer students

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.