Plain English Breakdown
The plain English breakdown is still being put together. The official documents below are already here.
Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.
HB5542 • 2026
Repeal WV Right to Work
This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.
The plain English breakdown is still being put together. The official documents below are already here.
To House Energy and Public Works
Introduced in House
To Energy and Public Works then Judiciary
Filed for introduction
Repeal WV Right to Work
HB 5542 Text skip navigation SENATE PRESIDENT SENATORS COMMITTEES VIDEO/AUDIO DISTRICT MAPS SENATE CLERK SENATE RULES HOUSE SPEAKER DELEGATES COMMITTEES VIDEO/AUDIO DISTRICT MAPS HOUSE CLERK HOUSE RULES HOUSE STAFF JOINT INTERIM COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATOR LEGISLATIVE SERVICES DIVISION PUBLIC INFORMATION LEGISLATIVE AUTOMATED SYSTEMS DIVISION LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR'S OFFICE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION & RESEARCH DIVISION POST AUDIT DIVISION BUDGET DIVISION REGULATORY AND FISCAL AFFAIRS DIVISION CLAIMS COMMISSION CRIME VICTIMS RULE-MAKING REVIEW SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS JUDICIAL COMP. COMMISSION JOINT RULES STAFF INFO BILL STATUS BILL STATUS BILL TRACKING STATE LAW WEST VIRGINIA CODE ACTS OF THE LEGISLATURE CODE OF 1931 WV CONSTITUTION US CONSTITUTION REPORTS AGENCY REPORTS AGENCY GRANT AWARDS PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS POST AUDITS EDUCATIONAL CITIZEN’S GUIDE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM PAGE PROGRAM PUBLICATIONS PHOTO GALLERY CAPITOL HISTORY HOW A BILL BECOMES LAW CONTACT SENATE ROSTER HOUSE ROSTER PUBLIC INFO. NEWS RELEASES HELPFUL LINKS Introduced Version House Bill 5542 History | Email Key: Green = existing Code. Red = new code to be enacted WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE 2026 REGULAR SESSION Introduced House Bill 5542 By Delegates Hornbuckle and Garcia [Introduced February 16, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy and Public Works then the Judiciary] A BILL to repeal §21-5G-1, §21-5G-2, §21-5G-3, §21-5G-4, §21-5G-5, §21-5G-6, and §21-5G-7 all relating to repealing limitations placed on labor unions intended to weaken collective bargaining by requiring labor unions to represent workers who are not members of their organization. Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia: §21-5G-1. Definitions. [Repealed]. §21-5G-2. Individual's right to refrain from affiliating with a labor organization. [Repealed]. §21-5G-3. Contracting for exclusion from employment because of affiliation or nonaffiliation with a labor organization. [Repealed]. §21-5G-4. Criminal penalty. [Repealed]. §21-5G-5. Civil relief; damages. [Repealed]. §21-5G-6. Exceptions. [Repealed]. §21-5G-7. Applicability; severability. [Repealed]. NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to repeal West Virginia’s right-to-work law and restore the ability of employees and labor organizations to enter into voluntary agreements that fairly allocate the costs of collective bargaining and representation by requiring union membership for employment where other similarly employed persons at that employer have elected to be represented by a union. Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added. Bill Status | Bill Tracking | Legacy WV Code | Bulletin Board | District Maps | Senate Roster | House Roster | Live | Blog | Jobs | Links | Home This Web site is maintained by the West Virginia Legislature's Office of Reference & Information. | Terms of Use | Webmaster | © 2026 West Virginia Legislature ** Print On Demand Name: Email: Phone: