WV HB5502

Expands the definition of "race" under West Virginia's Human Rights Act to include traits historically associated with race, specifically hair texture and protective hairstyles

Allows employers to adopt workplace policies affecting race-associated traits only if they demonstrate the rule is necessary for health and safety, adopted for nondiscriminatory reasons, specifically tailored to the position, and applied equally to all employees in that role

Amends §16B-17-3 of the West Virginia Code governing the Human Rights Commission's definitions and jurisdiction

Introduced February 13, 2026, by Delegates Hamilton, Lewis, Garcia, Hansen, Pushkin, and Hornbuckle and referred to the Government Organization and Judiciary Committees