SB997Introduced in the Senate
Allowing certain hospital staff members to begin withdrawing from retirement benefits in certain circumstances
Introduced by Randy Smith, District 14
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official description
The purpose of this bill is to allow certain vested staff members participating in the Public Employees Retirement System employed by Hopemont Hospital, Jackie Withrow Hospital, John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center, and Lakin State Hospital to begin drawing their retirement annuity before the normal age of retirement.
Where it stands
Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House Journal
March 14, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of Delegates votes
2 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
2 recorded votes · each counted separately
House of DelegatesStage: Effective from passage (Roll No. 617) · March 14, 2026
95
Yes
0
No
4
Absent or Not Voting
99 delegates recorded in this House of Delegates vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
What do people think?
Citizen Voice
How would you vote on this bill?
An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.
One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.
See how each delegate voted
| Delegate | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Pat McGeehan | 1 | Yes |
| Mark Zatezalo | 2 | Yes |
| Jimmy Willis | 3 | Yes |
| Bill Flanigan | 4 | Yes |
| Shawn Fluharty | 5 | Yes |
| Jeffrey Stephens | 6 | Yes |
| Charles Sheedy | 7 | Yes |
| Bill Bell | 8 | Yes |
| Betsy Kelly | 9 | Yes |
| William Anderson | 10 | Yes |
Bill history
Filed for introduction
To Pensions
Introduced in Senate
To Pensions
Committee substitute reported
On 1st reading
Read 1st time
On 2nd reading
Read 2nd time
On 3rd reading
Read 3rd time
Passed Senate (Roll No. 245)
Effective from passage (Roll No. 246)
Ordered to House
House received Senate message
Introduced in House
To Finance
To House Finance
Do pass
Immediate consideration
Read 1st time
On 2nd reading, Special Calendar
Postponed on 2nd reading, Special Calendar, until 3/12/2026
Read 2nd time
On 3rd reading, Special Calendar
On 3rd reading, Special Calendar
Read 3rd time
Passed House (Roll No. 616)
Effective from passage (Roll No. 617)
Communicated to Senate
Completed legislative action
House Message received
To Governor 3/18/2026
To Governor 3/18/2026 - Senate Journal
Approved by Governor 4/1/2026
Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - Senate Journal
Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House Journal
Verify the information
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