Sen. Laura Chapman

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 433, the "Dental Insurance Transparency Act," requires dental insurance carriers to publicly report how they spend premium money. It mandates annual reports showing that at least 80% of premiums must cover actual dental care (not administrative costs), with carriers issuing premium rebates if they spend less. The law applies to all non-Medicaid dental plans covering 2+ enrollees, including both large group (51+ people) and small group plans. Carriers must disclose enrollment details, coverage limits, and spending data to the state Insurance Commissioner for public review.

Maddy summarySB 166 requires Child Protective Services (CPS) in West Virginia to provide parents named as respondents in abuse or neglect investigations with a written copy of their legal rights in plain, understandable language before the investigation begins. The bill mandates that this document must be provided by the county prosecutor or CPS workers upon arrival at the scene, and parents can halt the investigation until they fully understand their rights. This policy change applies to all CPS investigations involving child abuse or neglect allegations and aims to ensure parents are informed of their legal protections during the process.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 5) proposes amending West Virginia's state constitution to change the regular legislative session schedule from annual to biennial (every two years). It would require the Legislature to convene only on the second Wednesday of January in odd-numbered years, rather than annually. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect. If passed, this change would directly affect the state legislature's meeting schedule and the timing of budget submissions, as the governor would submit budget proposals biennially instead of annually.

Maddy summarySB 126 creates the West Virginia Volunteer State Guard, a separate state military force of up to 400 members, distinct from the National Guard. It requires members to be West Virginia residents and U.S. citizens with no felony convictions (verified via background checks), excluding active National Guard members or military personnel. The Guard can be activated only during state emergencies or when the National Guard is deployed federally, to maintain public safety or respond to threats, but never for federal military service. Training must meet National Guard standards, and the Governor retains full command authority over the force.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans in West Virginia to cover annual mammograms for women aged 40 and older without needing a prior doctor's order. It also mandates coverage for younger women (under 40) with breast cancer risk factors (like family history), based on their healthcare provider's medical judgment. The requirement applies to all new or renewed private insurance policies starting January 1, 2025. It directly affects women seeking preventive breast cancer screenings and insurance companies offering health coverage in the state.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 180 amends West Virginia's education code to require specific history, civics, and government courses in all public schools (and similar requirements for private/parochial schools). It mandates that students complete at least one year of West Virginia history before eighth grade and courses covering U.S. history, the U.S. Constitution, and West Virginia government by graduation, with instruction emphasizing primary sources, debates, and analysis of political ideologies. The bill also requires standardized assessments for these courses, includes health education requirements on STD prevention and CPR (with 30 minutes of hands-on CPR training before graduation), and allows parent exemptions for certain health topics. The law directly affects all West Virginia public school students, teachers, and school boards, setting new curriculum standards for civics and history education.

Maddy summarySB 160 extends West Virginia Medicaid coverage for pregnant women and new parents to 24 months postpartum, and covers children up to age two. It makes these groups eligible if their family income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level and they meet standard Medicaid requirements. This changes the current coverage period (typically 60 days postpartum in many states) to provide longer-term health care access. The bill directly affects new mothers, parents, and infants in low-income households who qualify for Medicaid.

Maddy summarySB 40 requires West Virginia's Medicaid program and the Public Employees Insurance Act (PEIA) to cover and reimburse doula services for childbirth support. This directly affects low-income residents enrolled in Medicaid and state employees covered under PEIA, as well as licensed doula providers who will now receive payment for their services. The bill mandates that maternity benefit plans under these programs must include doula coverage, with reimbursement rates determined by the complexity and depth of care provided. This policy change adds doulas to the list of covered maternity services, aligning with existing coverage for inpatient care and postpartum support.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in West Virginia to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations without any out-of-pocket costs (like deductibles or copays) for policyholders. It directly affects West Virginia residents with health insurance who need these exams, including those for evaluating abnormalities (diagnostic) or for screening based on personal/family risk factors (supplemental). The law specifies that insurers must cover these services as defined by medical guidelines, with a limited exception for Health Savings Account-qualified high-deductible plans regarding federal tax rules. The Insurance Commissioner may create implementing rules to align with current medical standards.

Maddy summarySB 285 creates the West Virginia Guardian Program, allowing county school boards to contract with retired law enforcement officers (including former state troopers, police officers, deputies, or federal officers) or honorably discharged veterans to provide security on public school grounds. To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements, including U.S. citizenship, a high school diploma or GED, passing concealed carry training, completing fitness and background checks, and meeting retirement or discharge criteria. West Virginia Guardians may carry concealed weapons while on duty but cannot make arrests; they are limited to detaining individuals until law enforcement arrives. The bill excludes individuals with dishonorable discharges, recent drug use, certain criminal offenses, or failure to meet other specified criteria.