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HJR 27

Returning control of roads in West Virginia to the Counties Amendment

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Anders and 7 co-sponsors

Transfers authority over most roads from state to counties, leaving only National Highway System and State Highways under state control. Funding via appropriations to counties.

To House Finance
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Bill Summary · HJR 27

Overview

  • Bill: HJR 27 (2026) – West Virginia
  • Type: Joint Resolution proposing a constitutional amendment
  • Purpose: To return control of most roads in West Virginia from the state to the counties
  • Session: 2026 regular session
  • Introduced: January 27, 2026
  • Sponsors: Delegates Ridenour, Martin, Dillon, Coop-Gonzalez, Kump, Mazzocchi, Jeffries, Kimble, Anders, Clark; co-sponsors include Coop-González, Kump, Anders, Mazzocchi, Ridenour, Kimble, Clark, Dillon

What the bill would do

  • Amend the West Virginia Constitution by adding a new Amendment 19.
  • Core aim: Transfer authority over the majority of roads from the state to the counties.
  • Exemptions: Roads that are part of the National Highway System and roads designated as West Virginia State Highways would remain under state control.
  • Funding: The Legislature would authorize funding sources (subject to the appropriations process) to enable counties to independently maintain their road systems.

Key provisions and changes

  • Repeal efforts: The resolution explicitly repeals several prior amendments related to road infrastructure (Good Roads Amendments of 1920, 1928; multiple road-related amendments through 2017), removing the state's historical framework that previously governed road authorities and funding in various forms.
  • New constitutional language: Amends Article III by adding a new section to establish county-level control over most roads.
  • Scope of control:
    • Counties would assume exclusive responsibility for control, maintenance, and upkeep of all roads not part of:
    • National Highway System roads
    • West Virginia State Highways
  • Funding mechanism:
    • The Legislature would, through the normal appropriations process, authorize funding streams to support counties in maintaining their road networks.

Who/what would be affected

  • Government/administrative:
    • State control over most roads would shift to county-level authorities.
    • The state would retain authority only for National Highway System roads and designated State Highways.
  • Financial:
    • Counties would require and manage funding to maintain roads, with state funding provided via appropriations as authorized.
  • Local governments:
    • Counties would gain primary responsibility for road planning, maintenance schedules, capital projects, and related management.
  • Residents/road users:
    • Day-to-day road maintenance and priorities could shift to county decision-making and budgeting processes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative path:
    • The resolution would need two-thirds approval in both houses to place the amendment on the ballot.
    • If approved, the amendment would be placed before voters at the next general election in 2027 for ratification.
  • Ratification process:
    • As with other constitutional amendments, ratification would require a majority (voter approval) in the 2027 general election.
  • Implementation considerations:
    • The text emphasizes alignment with the state’s appropriations process for funding to counties.
    • Timing and transitional arrangements are not specified in the resolution and would likely be addressed in implementing legislation if the amendment is ratified.

Potential considerations for readers

  • Policy implications:
    • Shifts a broad range of road-related responsibilities from the state to counties, potentially affecting funding levels, maintenance standards, and project prioritization.
  • Fiscal impact:
    • County budgets would bear more responsibility for road upkeep, with state funds available as appropriated.
  • Legal/constitutional impact:
    • Would repeal several prior constitutional amendments governing road funding and administration and replace them with a county-centric model.
  • Next steps if advanced:
    • Public information campaigns and local impact assessments could follow to explain county-level planning and funding changes.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison of current road governance under existing amendments versus the proposed Amends 19 framework, or draft a question-by-question FAQ for voters.

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

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