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Bill

HB 5174

Legalize use of a 4" pan to pan for gold in the state

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Cannon and 7 co-sponsors

West Virginia bill legalizes 4-inch gold pans for recreational panning, removing current legal restrictions on this small-scale hobby mining activity.

To House Agriculture, Commerce, and Tourism
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Bill Summary · HB 5174

Legislative bill overview

HB 5174 would legalize the use of 4-inch gold pans for recreational gold panning in West Virginia. Currently, state regulations either prohibit or restrict this common recreational mining tool. The bill aims to remove legal barriers for individuals who want to pan for gold as a hobby or small-scale activity.

Why is this important

Gold panning is a low-impact recreational activity that generates tourism revenue in Appalachian regions and provides outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. The legalization could clarify ambiguous regulations, reduce liability concerns for property owners and outfitters, and potentially boost local economies in mining-adjacent communities. However, this also raises questions about environmental oversight and whether current regulations exist for valid conservation reasons.

Potential points of contention

  • Environmental protection: Unclear whether existing restrictions were implemented to protect water quality, streambed integrity, or aquatic ecosystems, and whether removing them poses ecological risks
  • Scope and enforcement: The bill specifies 4-inch pans but doesn't address whether larger equipment or commercial operations could follow, creating potential regulatory loopholes
  • Property rights vs. access: Questions about where panning is permitted (private land, public land, waterways) and how trespass laws interact with legalization

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

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