2026 Regular Session
HB 4079
Eliminate woke, anti-women words from state government
In Committee
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to restrict the use of specific language within West Virginia state government communications. It prohibits the use of terms considered ‘woke’ or exclusionary, particularly those related to reproductive health and gender identity. The bill mandates the replacement of certain phrases with alternatives deemed more accurate and female-affirming. It will take effect on June 1, 2026.
Key provisions
- Prohibits the use of ‘woke words and agendas’ in state government communications.
- Requires the replacement of terms like ‘pregnant people’ with ‘pregnant women’.
- Mandates the use of ‘breastfeeding’ instead of ‘chestfeeding’.
- Specifies alternative language for terms related to childbirth and lactation.
- Prohibits the use of ‘womxn’ or ‘womyn’ and mandates ‘woman’ instead.
- The bill takes effect on June 1, 2026.
Who is affected
- West Virginia State Government Agencies
- State Employees
- Individuals accessing state government information
Notable changes
- The bill mandates specific language changes related to reproductive health and gender identity.
- It establishes a defined list of terms to be replaced with alternatives.
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