Sen. Laura Chapman

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 13 as an official state holiday called "Patriot Day" in West Virginia. It adds this date to the state's legal holiday calendar, which currently includes dates like New Year's Day and Independence Day. The change directly affects state employees, courts, and state-operated institutions, which must observe this day as a holiday per state law. The bill makes no other policy changes beyond establishing this annual observance.

Maddy summarySB 175 prohibits West Virginia counties and municipalities from imposing higher property taxes on residential rental properties than on owner-occupied homes. It mandates that all county/municipal property taxes on rental properties must use the same rate as for owner-occupied housing and bans additional taxes based on zoning classification. The bill directly affects local governments (which must adjust tax practices) and rental property owners (who would face reduced tax burdens). It does not impact sales or service taxes on rental businesses, as explicitly stated in the legislation.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 183 creates a state tax deduction for eligible medical expenses paid by individuals. It directly affects West Virginia residents who pay for medical premiums, medicines, doctor visits, mileage to medical appointments, and insurance copays. The bill allows these specific out-of-pocket medical costs to be deducted from taxable income, lowering the amount of state income tax owed. This policy change applies to all qualifying medical payments made by individuals, as defined in the new tax code section. The Tax Commissioner will establish rules for implementation but cannot alter the core deduction provisions.

Maddy summarySB 27 clarifies that distributing or displaying sexually explicit material to a minor with the purpose of seducing them becomes a felony. It specifically expands the law to cover "any depiction of sexually graphic material" used for seduction, not just prior definitions of "obscene matter." Adults who knowingly distribute such material to minors for seduction face fines up to $25,000 or up to five years in prison for a first offense, with higher penalties for repeat violations. This directly affects adults distributing explicit material to minors, while maintaining existing defenses like physical barriers, age verification, or parental supervision in permitted settings.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 167 creates a registration system allowing out-of-state medical providers to offer telehealth services to patients in West Virginia, without requiring full state licensure. It directly affects out-of-state doctors seeking to provide telemedicine and West Virginia patients accessing cross-state care. Key provisions include requiring out-of-state providers to be licensed in good standing in their home state, register with West Virginia boards, and follow rules like having established patients see a provider in person within 12 months (with exceptions for certain specialties like addiction or palliative care). The bill also prohibits prescribing Schedule II controlled substances or abortifacients via telehealth and mandates compliance with West Virginia's professional standards.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 165 requires West Virginia to provide all current financial support available to certified foster parents to kinship parents (family caregivers) and fictive kin (non-relatives with strong family bonds), without requiring them to become certified foster parents. It directly affects these caregivers who previously faced unequal support compared to foster parents. The bill mandates that the state extend all existing foster parent benefits while maintaining required safety and background checks for placements. This eliminates certification barriers that created undue burdens for kinship and fictive kin caregivers.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 221 creates a refundable state tax credit for working families with children. It allows eligible residents who claim a federal child tax credit or childcare credit to receive either 20% of their federal childcare credit or 10% of their federal child tax credit (whichever is larger), capped at $100,000 in federal adjusted gross income. The credit is refundable, meaning it can be paid as a cash refund if it exceeds state tax liability, but refunds are only issued for amounts over $10. The credit cannot be counted as income for public assistance programs like Medicaid or food benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the West Virginia Legislature to replace the state's existing statue of John Kenna in the National Statuary Hall Collection at the U.S. Capitol with a new statue honoring Hershel "Woody" Williams. The legislation recognizes Williams as a Medal of Honor recipient and founder of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument program, citing his military service and community contributions as worthy of national commemoration. To implement this change, the bill establishes a commission to select a sculptor, authorizes the Governor to fund the project from a contingency fund, and mandates that the removed John Kenna statue be displayed at the State Culture Center.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors David Allen Stover for his public service in West Virginia. It acknowledges his career as a teacher, his time as Wyoming County Circuit Clerk, and his single term in the state Senate. The bill formally expresses the Senate's appreciation for his dedication and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to him.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks federal lawmakers to apply the same food safety standards to imported products as those required for goods produced and sold within the United States. The bill highlights concerns that dangerous substances have been found in foreign foods at levels exceeding safe limits, arguing that current differences in standards create unfair advantages for foreign producers while potentially endangering American consumers. It further requests that imported foods be clearly labeled to inform buyers about their origin and associated risks, and directs the Senate to send this request to relevant federal agriculture committees. Ultimately, the measure serves as a formal appeal for stricter oversight and enforcement of food safety regulations on imported items to protect public health and ensure market fairness.