Sen. Laura Chapman

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits West Virginia's Public Service Commission from approving utility rate increases that include costs for intermittent power sources like solar or wind energy. It specifically blocks the Commission from considering construction, operation, maintenance, or decommissioning costs for facilities relying solely on variable energy sources (defined as those dependent on weather and not fully controllable). Existing contracts signed before the law takes effect are exempt, but new expansions or commitments to such projects cannot be included in rate hikes. The bill also requires the Commission to submit an annual report to the Legislature assessing the law's impact on energy rates, reliability, and affordability.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 664 would amend West Virginia law to allow a person's legally appointed power of attorney or court-appointed conservator to sign a transfer on death deed on their behalf. Currently, only the property owner could sign such a deed; this bill expands that authority to authorized representatives. It directly affects property owners who use legal representatives (like family members or guardians) to manage their affairs, ensuring those representatives can complete this type of property transfer without requiring the owner's personal signature. The change simplifies the process for transferring property after death when the owner is unable to act.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates October 14 as "Charlie Kirk Day" in West Virginia to honor the late conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder (born October 14, 1993), who was fatally shot in 2025 while defending free speech. It encourages annual community observances through educational programs and discussions on free speech and conservative principles, without creating new laws or affecting policy. The resolution was adopted by the West Virginia Senate on January 29, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 663) prohibits West Virginia family court judges from ordering medical treatment for a child when a parent objects, except in cases of medical neglect. It directly affects parents who can refuse court-mandated procedures and family courts that can no longer override parental objections in non-neglect cases. The key provision amends state law to block judges from compelling medical care against parental wishes, maintaining that medical neglect cases remain outside this restriction. The policy change limits judicial authority in family court medical disputes without altering standards for neglect cases.

Maddy summarySB 653 directs the West Virginia Department of Administration to place a statue honoring U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom in a corner of the Capitol rotunda. The bill specifies that the statue must include her military awards, birth date, and death date, and authorizes using existing funds from the "capitol renovation and improvement fund" for the project. This is a commemorative measure with no policy changes or direct impact on citizens or legislation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 18 (SR 18) designates January 27, 2026, as Sexual Violence Awareness Day at the West Virginia Legislature. The resolution formally recognizes the prevalence of sexual violence in the state (citing West Virginia women ranking fifth nationally in sexual coercion victimizations) and supports agencies like the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment to honor survivors, support victim services, and renew commitment to addressing sexual violence.

Maddy summarySB 595 requires both parents to consent before non-emergency, non-life-threatening medical procedures can be performed on a child. This applies to children in custody arrangements where parents share decision-making responsibility, as determined by court order. The bill amends West Virginia law to mandate joint parental agreement for such medical decisions, excluding only emergencies that threaten life or health. It does not affect routine care or emergency medical treatment. The law applies directly to parents and healthcare providers when making non-urgent medical choices for children under court-ordered shared custody.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 518 prohibits health insurance plans from requiring copays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs for specific breast examinations. It applies to "diagnostic" exams (used to evaluate suspicious findings) and "supplemental" exams (high-risk screening based on personal/family history), covering services like mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs. The law takes effect for all new or renewed insurance policies in West Virginia starting July 1, 2027, and includes one exception for Health Savings Account plans under federal rules. This directly affects insurers selling health coverage in West Virginia and patients needing these medically necessary breast exams.

Maddy summarySB 597 changes how West Virginia pays state-funded child care providers by replacing an attendance-based reimbursement system with an enrollment-based model. This affects residential child-care facilities and family day-care providers receiving state funds, shifting payments from tracking daily child attendance to counting enrolled children. The bill amends §49-2-113 of West Virginia law to implement this payment structure change, aiming to provide more stable funding for providers. It does not alter licensing requirements or other operational standards for child care entities.

Maddy summarySB 594 would create a sales tax exemption for eligible disabled veterans purchasing vehicles in West Virginia. It exempts qualifying veterans from paying the state's 5-6% vehicle sales tax (depending on purchase date) on new or used vehicles. The bill establishes specific eligibility qualifications (details not included in this text) and sets an effective date for the exemption. This directly affects disabled veterans who buy vehicles in West Virginia, removing a financial burden related to vehicle purchases.