Committee approves substitute for State Sovereignty Act of 2025 and reports it to Senate

A committee substitute for a bill titled the State Sovereignty Act of 2025, which states that the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations and the World Economic Forum have no jurisdiction in West Virginia, was reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it pass and a first referral to the Judiciary Committee.

The committee’s counsel summarized the substitute: it "establishes that the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum have no jurisdiction in the state of West Virginia or any of its political subdivisions," and it provides that no state entity will be compelled to enforce or collaborate in enforcing any mandate or requirement issued by those entities. Counsel told members the substitute clarifies language and that there is no fiscal note; the general effective date is 90 days and there is a second reference to the Judiciary Committee.

Members asked for clarifications about interaction with federal response and assistance. One senator asked whether the substitute would affect the federal government’s ability to assist in, for example, an epidemic response; counsel answered the substitute does not prevent federal assistance. Another senator characterized the bill as largely symbolic, saying the substitute "does nothing" beyond expressing intent and that he viewed it as politically motivated. The committee voted by voice to agree to the substitute and to report it to the full Senate with a recommendation that it pass; the chair declared "the ayes have it."