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State Relations

About the West Virginia Legislature

The West Virginia Legislature meets yearly in Charleston beginning the second Wednesday in January and is in session for 60 consecutive days. When a governor is inaugurated (every four years), the work of the Legislature is delayed for one month. The 60-day session is called the “regular” session.

The Legislature can also conduct “interim” meetings each month when they are not in regular session. Interim meetings provide a forum for issues to be studied in more detail, most often in preparation for upcoming legislation. Study topics, as well as the interim schedule, are set by leadership in both the Senate and the House.

View 2025 Legislative Calendar How a Bill Becomes Law in West Virginia

Legislative Bodies

West Virginia has a bicameral system, including the Senate and the House of Delegates.

Senate

The West Virginia Senate is divided into 17 districts represented by two members each. The 34 Senators are elected to staggered four-year terms.

House of Delegates

The West Virginia House of Delegates is divided into 100 districts. The House is composed of 100 members and each serves a two-year term. All Delegates are up for election every two years.