summary
Introduced
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/14/2026
03/14/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The purpose of this bill is to authorize gold panning and have dates published showing when the season is open.
AI Summary
This bill, amending West Virginia law, permits gold panning in the state's rivers and streams, with the Division of Natural Resources responsible for authorizing this activity and publishing specific dates when it is allowed, taking into account the spawning seasons of various aquatic species. Importantly, the bill specifies that only a gold pan and a sluice no wider than four inches may be used for this purpose, ensuring that the methods employed are small-scale and less impactful on the environment.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry, Government Affairs
Sponsors (8)
Jeff Eldridge (R)*,
David Cannon (R),
Marty Gearheart (R),
Tristan Leavitt (R),
Ian Masters (R),
Frederick Joe Parsons (R),
Chuck Sheedy (R),
Gregory Watt (R),
Last Action
To House Agriculture, Commerce, and Tourism (on 02/06/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5174&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill |
| BillText | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb5174%20intr.htm&yr=2026&sesstype=RS&i=5174 |
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