Sen. Laura Chapman

Maddy summarySB 157 provides a $5,000 salary increase for all employees of the West Virginia Division of Highways, effective July 1, 2025. This direct pay raise applies to current state road workers whose salaries are adjusted as of that date. The bill amends existing law (§17-2A-4b) to implement this specific salary change without requiring additional conditions or applications. The legislation focuses solely on increasing compensation for these employees, with no mention of new requirements or scholarship-related provisions in the pay raise mechanism.

Maddy summarySB 162 requires West Virginia pharmacies to charge seniors aged 60 or older (or their personal representatives) the lowest national price available for any prescription drug in the United States. It defines "lowest national price" as the lowest cost anywhere in the U.S. for that medication and allows pharmacies to verify a senior's age or residency through ID or prescriber confirmation. Seniors who pay more than the lowest national price can sue pharmacies for triple damages or $500 (whichever is greater), plus attorney fees, in West Virginia circuit court. The bill directly affects seniors and their caregivers, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket prescription costs by mandating price transparency.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 185 requires companies selling lab-grown meat in the state to clearly label products as "lab grown meat" and separately list all ingredients. It defines lab-grown meat as food produced from animal cell culture without traditional slaughter, including products where it's used as an ingredient. Companies failing to comply face fines, potential permit revocation, or product forfeiture. The bill directly affects food producers and retailers selling these products within West Virginia.

Maddy summarySB 171 requires all West Virginia state buildings and leased state properties to provide private, non-bathroom rooms for nursing or pumping. These rooms must include electrical outlets, seating, and be shielded from public view, though they may be adjacent to bathrooms. The bill directly affects mothers using state facilities like courthouses, offices, or public service centers. It mandates concrete policy changes to ensure accessible, private spaces for breastfeeding or milk expression without requiring new construction.

Maddy summarySB 181 requires West Virginia's Public Defender Services to either approve or deny payments to court-appointed attorneys within 30 business days of receiving their voucher, shortening the current 45-day timeline. This directly affects attorneys who represent indigent defendants in court-appointed cases, ensuring timely reimbursement for their services. The bill mandates electronic notification of payment decisions or rejections within the 30-day window and establishes clear appeal steps if disputes arise. It does not change eligibility for court-appointed counsel but streamlines the payment process to reduce delays. The key change is the accelerated 30-day deadline for processing vouchers.

Maddy summarySB 170, the "Stop Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Deep Fake Media Act," prohibits distributing deepfake videos or images that falsely depict a person engaging in sexual conduct without their consent, with intent to harass, coerce, or damage their reputation. It directly affects individuals who create or share such content (distributors) and the people depicted in the deepfakes (victims). Key provisions define "deep fake," establish criminal penalties (up to 5 years in prison for repeat offenses or $10,000 fines), and include protections for constitutionally protected speech like satire or journalism. The law allows victims or prosecutors to seek court orders to stop violations and imposes no liability on platforms for user-generated content under federal law.

Maddy summarySB 174 clarifies the legal definition of "shelter" for animals exposed to cold weather in West Virginia, directly affecting pet owners, animal caretakers, and shelters. It specifies that proper shelter must be a four-sided, roofed structure (moisture-proof, windproof, ventilated) with at least 100 square feet per animal over four months, using approved bedding like straw or hay - excluding items like cardboard boxes, drums, or vehicles. The bill also prohibits keeping animals tethered or outdoors for more than 30 minutes during extreme cold (32°F or below), severe weather, or heat (85°F+), while exempting working agricultural animals. These changes aim to ensure animals have adequate protection during weather extremes under existing cruelty laws.

Maddy summarySB 159 prohibits medical providers (including doctors, students, and residents) from performing pelvic, prostate, rectal, or breast exams on patients under anesthesia or unconscious without specific authorization. It requires prior written consent from the patient, guardian, or healthcare representative, except when the exam is part of an ordered surgical procedure, in a medical emergency, or court-ordered for evidence. Violations could result in sexual assault charges, a five-year license suspension, or fines between $1,000 and $10,000 deposited into a rape services fund. The law directly affects healthcare practitioners in West Virginia who conduct such exams during medical procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows retired teachers in West Virginia to work as substitute teachers for up to 180 days per academic year without losing their monthly retirement benefits. It directly affects retired teachers participating in the state Teachers Retirement System who wish to substitute. The bill establishes a clear 180-day annual limit (replacing inconsistent county calculations), requires the retirement board to set this standard, and permits retired teachers to choose whether to contribute to their retirement from substitute pay - though employers are not required to make contributions on their behalf. The change aims to address teacher shortages while preserving retirement benefits.

Maddy summarySB 178 would limit state-elected officials in West Virginia to serving no more than three consecutive terms in the same office. It applies to positions including state legislators and the governor, as defined in existing law (§3-1-16, §3-1-17, and §3-1-18). Officials appointed to fill partial terms would not count toward the three-term limit. The bill establishes a concrete term limit for future elections, directly affecting candidates running for re-election after the current term ends.