The following changes to West Virginia employment law apply to employers of all sizes and take effect in July 2025.
HIRING PREFERENCES FOR MILITARY SPOUSES
Starting July 9, 2025, employers can grant hiring preferences to a military spouse without violating the state Human Rights Act, provided the military spouse meets all the knowledge, skills, and eligibility requirements of the job.
WORK PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN MINORS
Beginning July 11, 2025, West Virginia will allow minors that are ages 14 and 15 to work without obtaining a permit. Instead, employers will be required to obtain the written consent of the minor’s parent, guardian, or custodian, and an age certificate issued by the West Virginia Commissioner of Labor.