Sen. Laura Chapman

Maddy summarySB 562 would establish a Food Is Medicine Program within West Virginia's Medicaid system, directly affecting Medicaid members with nutrition-related chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease. The bill authorizes coverage for specific nutrition services - including counseling, medically tailored meals, and grocery support - to improve health outcomes and reduce costly medical care. It requires Medicaid managed care organizations to prioritize partnerships with local West Virginia food producers when feasible. The program aims to lower long-term healthcare costs by addressing diet-related health issues through preventive nutrition support.

Maddy summarySB 615 (West Virginia Senate Bill 615) requires all state and local law enforcement agencies in West Virginia to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when they determine an individual is in the U.S. without legal authorization. The bill directly affects undocumented immigrants in West Virginia and mandates that law enforcement cooperate with federal immigration authorities under federal law. Key provisions include prohibiting any state or local policies that would block this notification, and requiring agencies to follow federal immigration enforcement procedures. This bill changes how West Virginia law enforcement handles immigration status determinations, making notification to ICE mandatory rather than optional.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 28) expresses legislative support for extending Interstate 68 from Morgantown, West Virginia, to Kent, West Virginia, then across the Ohio River to Clarington, Ohio, and further to I-77 near Caldwell, Ohio. It does not create new policies or funding but urges state and federal officials to secure resources for this transportation corridor project. The resolution specifically references the "I-68 Energy Manufacturing AI Corridor" as a means to support economic growth in the Shale Crescent region, though it does not establish any new programs or obligations. It is a symbolic measure, not a substantive legislative bill.

Maddy summarySB 870 proposes a $10,000 total pay increase for West Virginia teachers over five years, distributed through annual adjustments to the state minimum salary schedule based on experience and education level. It also mandates a 25% pay raise for school service personnel (such as aides and support staff) over the same five-year period. The bill amends existing law to establish new salary tiers, with specific pay amounts listed for different experience levels and qualifications (e.g., starting at $39,057 for teachers with zero experience and a master's degree). This policy directly affects all public school teachers and support staff in West Virginia, aiming to increase base compensation through structured, incremental raises.

Maddy summarySB 867 (West Virginia Senate Bill 867) amends §61-8-19 of the state code to clarify and strengthen the legal definition of "shelter" for dogs exposed to extreme weather. It requires tethered or roaming dogs to have individual, four-sided shelters with roofs, moisture-proof floors raised at least two inches off the ground, proper ventilation, and suitable bedding (like straw or cedar shavings), while banning inadequate options like plastic drums or cardboard boxes. The bill prohibits tethering dogs outside for more than 30 minutes during extreme heat (85°F+), freezing temperatures (32°F or below), or severe weather (storms, snow, etc.), with exceptions for inspected working dogs. Violations carry fines up to $2,000 or six months in jail for first offenses. This directly affects dog owners, kennel operators, and animal control officers enforcing standards for outdoor dog housing.

Maddy summarySB 722 requires West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources (DNR) officers to obtain a warrant or the landowner's permission before entering private property, except in emergencies. This directly affects landowners, who can deny entry without a warrant, and DNR officers, who must follow this procedure during routine operations. The bill clarifies that DNR officers cannot enter private land without a warrant or consent, with an exception only for immediate threats to public safety, such as accidents or emergencies. This amendment updates existing law to explicitly protect property rights during DNR activities.

Maddy summarySB 716 would lower the participation requirement for West Virginia's volunteer firefighter tax credit from 30% to 20% of department activities. This change directly affects volunteer firefighters seeking the tax credit, making it easier to qualify by reducing the minimum activity threshold. The bill amends Section 11-13JJ-4 of the state code to update the participation percentage while keeping other eligibility conditions unchanged. Currently, firefighters must participate in 30% of activities; the bill would require only 20%.

Maddy summarySB 713 would provide a 10 percent pay raise for all public school staff in West Virginia, including teachers and other school employees. The bill amends state law to update the minimum salary schedule for educators, setting new base pay levels based on experience and education for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond. This change requires state funding to cover the increased costs for public school districts. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Education and Finance committees.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 23) designates February 2, 2026, as "Future Farmers of America Day" at the West Virginia Legislature. It recognizes the history and impact of the National FFA Organization, including its founding in 1928 and its current role serving over 7,489 students across 91 agricultural education programs in West Virginia. The resolution has been adopted by the Senate and directs the Clerk to send a copy to the West Virginia Farm Bureau. It is a ceremonial resolution with no new policy or funding provisions.

Maddy summarySB 680 would repeal West Virginia's personal income tax and corporate net income tax. It directly affects all West Virginia residents (who pay personal income tax) and corporations operating in the state (which pay corporate net income tax). The bill eliminates these taxes for income earned after January 1, 2028, while requiring collection of existing tax liabilities for years ending before December 31, 2027. The repeal takes effect July 1, 2026, with the State Tax Commissioner managing final filings and refunds for prior tax years.