Sen. Ryan Weld

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the dedicated public service of Honorable Michael Andrew Woelfel, a former West Virginia State Senator. The bill honors his career as a prosecutor, juvenile court referee, university professor, and legislator who served three consecutive terms in the Senate. It expresses the Senate's appreciation for his contributions to West Virginia citizens and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Woelfel. This is a commemorative measure with no policy changes or budgetary impact.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the dedicated public service of Honorable Charles Houston Clements, a former West Virginia state senator. The bill honors Clements for his legislative career, including his service as Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and his decision not to seek reelection in 2026. It expresses the Senate's appreciation for his commitment to serving West Virginia citizens and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Clements.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution asks the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to investigate the ongoing water quality and infrastructure problems in southern West Virginia, especially in McDowell and Wyoming counties. The study will examine causes of poor water quality, potential contamination sources, the condition of existing water systems, and whether state agencies are properly regulating the situation. The committee is required to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by the 2027 session, with costs covered by legislative funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of "targeted facility" in West Virginia's unmanned aircraft regulations to include jails, state correctional facilities, juvenile detention centers, and federal correctional facilities. By amending the state code, the legislation ensures these correctional facilities are treated as critical infrastructure for the purposes of drone use and security. The change directly affects law enforcement agencies, correctional facility operators, and drone pilots who must now comply with additional security protocols at these locations. This amendment aligns correctional facilities with other critical infrastructure sites under existing state drone laws.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 50 requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the Public Service Commission's effectiveness in regulating public utilities. The resolution asks the committee to examine how well the commission regulates utility rates, reviews rate increase requests, maintains transparency in its processes, and ensures utility service reliability for West Virginia residents and businesses. The study will also consider whether commission members should be elected rather than appointed. The committee must report its findings and recommendations to the Senate by January 1, 2027. This resolution does not change any laws but initiates a review of the commission's current operations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 13, 2026, as Veterans Visibility Day within the West Virginia Legislature. The measure formally recognizes the service and sacrifice of West Virginia veterans and current military personnel, acknowledging the state's high rate of military service and the contributions of those who have served. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy to the Department of Veterans Assistance, serving as an official gesture of gratitude rather than establishing new policies or funding.

Maddy summarySB 774 allows county emergency medical services (EMS) officers to join the Emergency Medical Services Retirement System (EMSRS), removing a prior requirement that they be certified as law enforcement officers. It enables current EMS officers enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to elect to switch to the EMSRS and transfer their eligible service years to the new system. The bill clarifies how retirement benefits are calculated for these officers, ensuring their prior service counts toward future benefits. This change directly affects county EMS officers by providing them with a retirement system tailored to their profession.

Maddy summarySB 972, or "Raylee's Law," temporarily restricts custodial parents or guardians from arranging home instruction for their child during an active West Virginia Department of Human Services (DHS) child abuse or neglect investigation where they are the alleged perpetrator. The law prohibits withdrawing a child from school for home instruction or resuming home instruction as the primary provider during the investigation. This restriction ends when DHS closes the case without substantiation or a court orders otherwise. The bill explicitly states it does not create a presumption of guilt, permanently ban home education, or limit court authority to order alternative educational placements for the child’s safety.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 52) designates February 27, 2026, as "West Liberty University Day" at the West Virginia Legislature. It formally recognizes the university's history as West Virginia's oldest institution of higher education (founded 1837), its contributions to the state's workforce and economy (serving over 2,200 students, supporting local communities, and fostering economic growth through initiatives like the Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center), and its role in advancing education, culture, and athletics. The resolution has no policy impact beyond ceremonial acknowledgment and was adopted by the Senate on February 27, 2026.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 48 memorializes the late Sarah Abigail (Mullennex) Minear, a former West Virginia State Senator (1994-2006) and community leader, by formally honoring her life and public service. The resolution recognizes her roles as a philanthropist, founding president of the Tucker Community Foundation and West Virginia Grantmakers Association, and her decades of volunteer work across West Virginia. It extends the Senate’s condolences to her family and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to her loved ones. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy or financial impact, solely commemorating her legacy.