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HB 5624

Relating to asbestos abatement

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Burkhammer and 3 co-sponsors

The bill repeals the resilient floor covering worker license while maintaining core asbestos abatement rules, notification requirements, and enforcement protections.

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Bill Summary · HB 5624

Summary of HB 5624 (2026) – West Virginia

Relating to asbestos abatement

Purpose and Intent

HB 5624, introduced February 16, 2026 by Delegates Worrell, Hite, Burkhammer, and Pinson (at the request of the West Virginia Department of Health), amends and reenacts provisions governing asbestos abatement in West Virginia. The bill repeals a specific provision related to resilient floor covering workers and makes targeted adjustments to definitions, notification requirements, licensing, and enforcement related to asbestos abatement projects.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Definitions (§16-32-2)
    The bill preserves an extensive set of definitions for asbestos-related work, including but not limited to: asbestos, asbestos abatement project, asbestos contractor, inspector, supervisor, management planner, analyst, clearance air monitor, and competent person. It also defines terms such as contained work area, encapsulate, enclosure, friable material, resilient floor covering (and worker), and more. A notable item retained is the definition of “asbestos abatement project” and related roles.

  • Resilient Floor Covering Worker Licensing (§16-32-9c)
    The provision titled “Resilient floor covering worker license required” is repealed (removed) by this bill. This signals the removal of a specific licensing requirement for workers who remove resilient floor coverings containing asbestos.

  • Notification, Waivers, Exemptions (§16-32-11)

    • Owners or operators of buildings with asbestos abatement projects must notify the state health officer at least 10 working days before starting the project, with compliance to other applicable regulatory requirements.
    • In emergencies not resulting from planned renovations or demolitions, the state health officer may waive the 10-day notification, but notification must follow to the bureau after the emergency within the time required by the officer.
    • Exemptions from prior notification exist for projects involving less than 160 square feet or 260 linear feet of asbestos-containing material, unless the project occurs in a K-12 school. A summary must be submitted to the bureau within a timeframe dictated by the commissioner.
    • Specific exemption for removal/maintenance of oil and gas pipeline asphaltic wrap containing asbestos fibers, provided conditions are met (e.g., material intact, limited linear distance, competency checks, training per OSHA standards, wet methods, and lawful disposal).
    • Distinguishes exemption for resilient floor covering removal in single-family dwellings from notification requirements.

  • Enforcement and Licensure (§16-32-15)

    • The director may reprimand, suspend, or revoke licenses for various asbestos-related roles if established grounds exist (fraud, failure to meet qualifications, failure to meet standards, or employing unlicensed individuals).
    • The director may investigate violations and issue cease-and-desist orders for ongoing projects, with notice provided to the property owner and workers where feasible. Hearings follow the Administrative Procedures Act.

Who and What Is Affected

  • Affected entities include owners/operators of buildings with asbestos abatement projects, asbestos professionals (analysts, contractors, inspectors, supervisors, project designers, management planners, clearance monitors, workers), and asbestos analytical laboratories.
  • Parties involved in resilient floor covering work, especially those previously subject to licensing, are impacted by the repeal of the resilient floor covering worker license requirement.
  • The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health and the state health officer (commissioner) oversee notifications, exemptions, and enforcement.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Notification to the state health officer is required 10 working days prior to project start, with emergency waivers permissible at the officer’s discretion.
  • Minor projects (below specified size thresholds) have notification exemptions but may require project summaries.
  • Enforcement includes potential cease-and-desist orders and formal license discipline via hearings under the Administrative Procedures Act.

Overall, HB 5624 streamlines certain notification and licensing requirements related to asbestos abatement, while maintaining or clarifying key health and safety protections and enforcement mechanisms.

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

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