WV HB5178

Requires employers to deposit 15% of gross earnings into a blocked trust account for minors (under 18) who perform artistic or creative services, including actors, musicians, content creators, and athletes earning name, image, or likeness (NIL) compensation

Establishes specific rules for vloggers: if a minor appears in at least 30% of compensated video content within any 30-day period over 12 months, the content creator must deposit a proportional share of earnings into the minor's trust account

Trust accounts must be held at FDIC or NCUA-insured institutions and remain blocked until the minor turns 18 or is emancipated, except by court order

Allows any party to a minor's contract to petition circuit court for approval, which prevents the minor from later disaffirming the contract based on minority status

Effective July 1, 2026, with existing arrangements required to establish trust accounts and begin deposits within 90 days; violations may result in civil action for actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees