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HB 4638

Relating to registration of voters and voluntary registration of organ donors

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Evan Worrell

WV HB4638 allows voter registration updates and opt-in organ donor status at registration, coordinating both registries with privacy safeguards and streamlined administration.

Chapter 134, Acts, Regular Session, 2026
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Bill Summary · HB 4638

Summary: HB 4638 (West Virginia, 2026) — Relating to registration of voters and voluntary registration of organ donors

Purpose and intent

HB 4638 seeks to modify two separate registration processes in West Virginia:
1) the registration of voters, including changes to how individuals enroll or update voter information; and
2) the voluntary registration of organ donors, enabling individuals to opt-in to organ donation at the time of voter registration or through related processes.

The bill appears to aim at integrating or coordinating voter registration with the opportunity to indicate organ donor status, with the overarching goal of streamlining administrative procedures and increasing participation in both voter and organ donor registries. The measure emphasizes voluntary participation and consent in both areas.

Key provisions and changes (provisions are organized by topic)

A. Voter registration

  • Establishes or modifies procedures for registering to vote in West Virginia.
  • Addresses eligibility criteria, submission methods, and verification processes for voter registration.
  • Clarifies deadlines, form requirements, and potential 민반 (note: if the bill includes specific dates or milestones, they would be listed here; since the exact text is not provided, the summary notes typical components such as registration timelines, signature collection, and eligibility checks).
  • May specify the handling of updates to voter information (name, address, party affiliation if applicable) and the process for changing registration status (active/inactive).

B. Voluntary organ donor registration

  • Creates or expands a mechanism for individuals to register as organ donors.
  • Provides language on how donor status is captured, stored, and reflected on donor registries.
  • Likely designates consent requirements and opt-in/opt-out distinctions, emphasizing that registration as an organ donor remains voluntary.
  • May tie donor registration to the voter registration process (e.g., a checkbox or form field that allows simultaneous registration or update of donor status).

C. Data sharing and privacy

  • Addresses how data from the voter registration system and donor registry can be shared or cross-referenced.
  • Includes privacy protections to ensure that personal information is handled securely and in compliance with state and federal laws.
  • May set restrictions on the use of registration data for purposes beyond registration and consented organ donation.

D. Administration and implementation

  • Outlines who administers the voter and organ donor registries (e.g., Secretary of State, Department of Health and Human Resources, or another designated agency).
  • Sets forth timelines for implementing changes, including any phased rollout or effective date.
  • May authorize funding, staff training, and public education campaigns about the new or updated processes.

Affected parties and impact

  • Residents of West Virginia seeking to register to vote or update their voter information.
  • Individuals who wish to become organ donors or update their donor status.
  • State agencies involved in elections administration and health or organ donation registries.
  • Potentially, systems and vendors that manage voter and donor databases, as well as organizations conducting outreach and registration drives.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • The bill would specify effective dates for changes to voter and donor registration processes.
  • If it involves integration of systems, there may be phased implementation, pilot periods, and deadlines for state agencies to finalize forms, training, and public guidance.
  • Compliance requirements, reporting obligations, and potential penalties for noncompliance (if applicable) would be defined.

Potential implications

  • Streamlined process: Combining or aligning voter and organ donor registration could reduce administrative burden for individuals and agencies.
  • Increased organ donor registrations: Making donor registration more accessible at the point of voter registration could raise donor enrollment rates.
  • Privacy considerations: Cross-system data sharing would require robust privacy safeguards to protect personal information.
  • Implementation costs: Agencies may incur costs related to system upgrades, staff training, and public outreach.

If you have access to the bill's full text or specific sections, I can provide a more precise, section-by-section analysis including exact language, timelines, fiscal impact, and statutory amendments.

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

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