Sen. Laura Chapman

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 50 is a non-binding request to the federal government to study and implement waterway restoration projects in West Virginia. The resolution specifically asks federal agencies to evaluate and act on debris removal, river bed stabilization, and restoration of natural water flow patterns to address existing flooding damage and prevent future flooding. It was prompted by historic flooding in West Virginia during winter and spring 2025, which left streams and rivers filled with debris that continues to damage property and infrastructure. The resolution requests federal action to mitigate these issues and reduce future recovery costs. This resolution is addressed to President Donald J. Trump and Elon Musk, in his alleged capacity as a special government employee.

Maddy summarySCR 27 is a request for the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study West Virginia's alcohol sales regulations. The bill asks the committee to examine current rules (many dating to the 1930s) that govern alcohol sales, distribution, and consumption. The study will assess whether these regulations are efficient, modern, and effective, considering input from businesses, consumers, health professionals, and law enforcement. The committee must report its findings and recommendations to the 2026 legislative session.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 26 directs the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study smoke shops in West Virginia, focusing on products they sell, health risks, and sales to minors. The resolution specifically asks the committee to examine both legal and illegal tobacco, nicotine, CBD, kratom, and cannabis products, including their compliance with federal safety guidelines. The committee will assess how illegal products enter the state and their sources, with a report due to the 2026 legislative session. This study aims to inform potential regulatory changes regarding these products without proposing new laws. The resolution does not make policy changes but requests a comprehensive examination to address safety concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires West Virginia Medicaid to cover home blood pressure monitoring devices for specific enrollees: pregnant individuals or those within 12 months postpartum who have been diagnosed with uncontrolled hypertension. It mandates coverage for validated devices listed by the U.S. Blood Pressure Validated Listing, including an extra blood pressure cuff, and requires reimbursement for related services like patient training, reading interpretation, and co-intervention costs. The policy directly affects Medicaid recipients with these specific health conditions during pregnancy or postpartum. It amends existing Medicaid coverage rules to ensure these devices and support services are provided as part of chronic condition management.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates April 8, 2025, as "Child Care Day" at the West Virginia Legislature to honor the state's child care providers. It recognizes their role in supporting families, preparing young children, and contributing to the workforce through their commitment to quality early childhood education. The resolution directs the Clerk to send a copy to the West Virginia Association for Young Children. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new policies or funding.

Maddy summarySB 886, titled "Relating to Foster Child Bill of Rights," requires West Virginia's child welfare department and foster/kinship placements to inform children in care about their specific rights in age-appropriate ways. The bill mandates that children receive a written copy of their rights (in their primary language if possible) and an oral explanation using simple terms, covering protections like safety, medical care, family contact, education access, and confidentiality for reporting violations. It directly affects children in foster care or kinship placements by ensuring they understand their legal rights within the child welfare system. The key mechanism is the department's obligation to proactively communicate these rights, rather than altering the rights themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires West Virginia's Medicaid program and the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) to cover doula services for eligible individuals. It defines a doula as a non-medical professional providing continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period (from confirmed conception through 365 days after delivery). The law mandates minimum visit requirements for prenatal and postpartum care, establishes specific billing protocols, and requires the Department of Human Services to submit a state plan amendment by a set deadline to implement this coverage. It directly affects low-income pregnant individuals enrolled in Medicaid or PEIA who would now have access to doula support as part of their maternity benefits.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 44) honoring basketball legend Jerry West, a native of West Virginia. It memorializes his life and legacy, recognizing his birth in Chelyan, West Virginia; his high school and college career at West Virginia University; his NBA playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers; and his contributions to basketball as a player, coach, and executive. The resolution also acknowledges his philanthropy, including the Jerry West Scholarship for WVU students. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a formal tribute expressing the Senate's respect and extending sympathy to his family.

Maddy summarySB 163 requires West Virginia's Bureau for Public Health and Bureau for Medical Services to integrate specific postpartum mental health disorders - depression, anxiety, psychosis, and obsessive-compulsive disorders - into existing public health programs. It mandates education for healthcare providers on early detection using assessment tools during pregnancy, delivery, and up to one year postpartum, along with care planning. The bill also directs public awareness campaigns to increase understanding of early warning signs, particularly for high-risk individuals, using culturally relevant and easy-to-understand materials. This expansion directly affects pregnant and postpartum individuals in West Virginia by integrating these conditions into current public health services without creating new programs.

Maddy summarySJR 8 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring all voters in West Virginia elections to be U.S. citizens. The amendment would add language to the state constitution stating: "Only citizens of the state who are citizens of the United States shall be entitled to vote at all elections." This would codify the existing requirement that voters must be U.S. citizens, which is already enforced under current law. The proposal must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.