Sen. Laura Chapman

Maddy summarySB 452 prohibits West Virginia homeowners' insurance companies from canceling or refusing to renew policies solely because a homeowner filed a claim for an isolated incident (such as a single storm damage event). This directly affects homeowners who file claims for one-time, unusual events, preventing insurers from using those claims as grounds for cancellation. The bill amends West Virginia Code §33-6-37 to explicitly state that "no homeowner's policy... may be canceled or denied renewal as a result of filing a claim for an isolated incident." It does not prevent cancellations for other reasons, such as non-payment or repeated claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 471) allows physician assistants (PAs) in West Virginia to own healthcare-related businesses, such as clinics or practices. It specifically prohibits PAs from having a financial interest in referral arrangements (e.g., owning a clinic they refer patients to) and permits medical corporations to have PA shareholders. The bill also designates physician assistants as a "professional service" under the state’s Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, enabling PAs to form or join LLCs for their practice. These changes directly affect PAs seeking to establish or invest in healthcare businesses.

Maddy summarySB 454, the "Stop Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Deep Fake Media Act," makes it illegal to intentionally distribute deep fake media falsely depicting a person engaging in sexual conduct without their consent, specifically when done to harass, coerce, or damage their reputation. The law applies to anyone distributing such content (e.g., through social media or sharing), while excluding constitutionally protected speech like political satire or works with clear disclaimers that the media is manipulated. Violations carry penalties of up to $10,000 fines or five years in prison for repeat offenses, with lesser penalties for other cases, and allow courts to issue restraining orders to stop ongoing distribution. This directly affects individuals whose images are misused without consent and those creating or sharing non-consensual deep fakes.

Maddy summarySB 465, the Caregiver Tax Credit Act, creates a state tax credit for West Virginia family caregivers providing unpaid care to eligible seniors. It allows caregivers to claim a 50% credit on qualifying out-of-pocket expenses (like home modifications, medical equipment, or hiring aides) for an eligible family member who is 62+ and requires assistance with daily living activities (e.g., bathing, dressing, or toileting), as certified by a healthcare provider. The credit is capped at $2,000 annually ($3,000 for veterans) and is nonrefundable, with a total annual funding limit of $5 million for all taxpayers. The credit becomes effective January 1, 2028, and is administered by the West Virginia Department of Revenue.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 468 requires West Virginia's Bureau for Family Assistance to annually increase base payment rates for childcare providers starting September 2026, adjusting them based on the Consumer Price Index (inflation rate) to keep pace with rising costs. It also mandates a study beginning August 2026 on implementing performance-based contracting - where providers might earn incentives for quality outcomes like improved kindergarten readiness - and report findings to the Legislative Oversight Commission by December 15, 2026. The bill directly affects licensed childcare providers receiving state funding through the federal Child Care & Development Fund. These changes aim to improve affordability, availability, and quality of childcare services as required by federal guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires West Virginia's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to identify waterways prone to flooding due to silt, sediment, or blockages near homes and businesses. The DEP must then coordinate with the Department of Highways to dredge and clear these waterways, including removing silt and other obstructions. The law specifically targets both navigable and non-navigable waterways that threaten residential, commercial, or infrastructure areas. It mandates that dredged material be hauled to appropriate sites and requires coordination to protect wildlife and prevent pollution during the process. This policy directly affects communities in flood-prone areas by mandating proactive waterway maintenance.

Maddy summarySB 448 requires West Virginia's Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation to train staff to screen all incoming and currently incarcerated individuals for brain injuries by July 1, 2028. The bill mandates that screening processes be developed with input from a specific study group focused on competency and criminal responsibility. It also requires the Division of Corrections, Division of Rehabilitation Services, and Department of Veterans Assistance to create a memorandum of understanding with this study group to share confidential health records for research purposes. The law directly affects incarcerated individuals through mandatory screenings and correctional staff through required training and data-sharing protocols.

Maddy summarySB 457 requires West Virginia's Department of Health to evaluate public water systems for unsafe contaminant levels and provide water filtration equipment or technology to residents in areas where water exceeds safety thresholds. It directly affects residents served by public water systems contaminated with substances like PFAS, bacteria, chemicals, or disinfection byproducts that pose health risks for drinking or bathing. The department must determine unsafe levels based on specific contaminants and other factors, then distribute appropriate filtration solutions. This program would be implemented through department-developed rules, subject to legislative approval.

Maddy summarySB 453 would allow West Virginia residents to deduct qualified medical expenses from their state income tax. It directly affects taxpayers who pay state income tax and incur medical costs, including premiums, medicine, provider visits, mileage to appointments, and copays. The bill establishes these expenses as deductible items under the state's personal income tax code, reducing taxable income. The Tax Commissioner would have authority to create implementing rules for the deduction.

Maddy summarySB 460 would exempt tips and overtime compensation from West Virginia's personal income tax. This means workers earning tips (such as in restaurants) or overtime pay (for hours beyond 40 in a week) would not owe state income tax on those earnings. Employers would still be required to report these payments as part of their tax filings, but the state would not tax them. The bill directly affects all West Virginia workers who receive tips or overtime compensation, including service industry employees and hourly workers.