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SB 977

Creating benefit for duty-related partial disability

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Barrett and 1 co-sponsor

SB 977 establishes duty-related partial disability benefits for West Virginia public employees unable to fully perform their jobs due to work injuries.

Chapter 194, Acts, Regular Session, 2026
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Bill Summary · SB 977

Legislative bill overview

SB 977 creates a new benefit structure for West Virginia public employees who sustain duty-related partial disabilities. The bill establishes eligibility criteria and benefit calculations for workers who cannot perform their full job duties but retain some work capacity. It has been referred to the Finance Committee after passing through the Pensions Committee with a substitute version.

Why is this important

Partial disability benefits address a gap in workers' compensation for public employees whose injuries don't result in total incapacity but still cause significant income loss. This affects firefighters, law enforcement, and other public servants who may have limited future earning potential in their original professions. The financial impact on the state budget and the appropriate benefit level are key considerations.

Potential points of contention

  • Benefit adequacy vs. cost: Determining whether partial disability payments sufficiently replace lost wages without creating unsustainable state pension liabilities
  • Eligibility definition: How "duty-related" and "partial disability" are precisely defined could significantly affect who qualifies and the program's scope
  • Funding mechanism: Whether benefits are funded through general revenue, employer contributions, or employee premiums, and the fiscal impact on state finances

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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