Sen. Ryan Weld

Maddy summarySB 973 proposes to create a criminal offense for individuals who dispose of or attempt to dispose of their property to avoid paying debts, fines, or fees without the creditor's knowledge or consent. This law would directly affect debtors who transfer assets to evade payment obligations to creditors. The bill amends West Virginia Code §61-3-24 to specify that such actions constitute a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. It clarifies that intentionally hiding or moving property to prevent debt collection is now explicitly prohibited under state law.

Maddy summarySR 42 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Walter Dolph Helmick, a former West Virginia state legislator and public servant. It memorializes his life and career, noting his service as a coal miner, teacher, businessman, Mason, West Virginia House of Delegates member, Senate member (1989-2013), and Commissioner of Agriculture. The resolution formally recognizes his contributions to West Virginia and extends condolences to his family following his death in 2025. As a non-binding memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or effect on legislation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. It designates February 13, 2026, as "West Virginia Silver Jackets Flood Resiliency Day" at the Capitol and February 9-13, 2026, as "West Virginia Silver Jackets Flood Resiliency Week." The resolution aims to raise public awareness about flood preparedness and resiliency efforts, recognizing the work of agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers and West Virginia Emergency Management Division. It directly affects all West Virginians by encouraging community participation in flood readiness initiatives, though it does not create new laws or allocate funding.

Maddy summarySB 704 prohibits most compensation for assisting veterans with benefits claims, directly affecting advocates, attorneys, and support organizations who help veterans navigate the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system. Key provisions require written fee agreements filed with the VA, ban guarantees of specific benefit amounts, prohibit charging for services before a VA decision, and forbid contingent fees for medical evidence or testimony. The bill also restricts excessive fees and mandates compliance with federal fee guidelines (38 C.F.R. § 14.636). It does not override federal law but adds state-level safeguards to prevent exploitative practices in veterans' benefits assistance.

Maddy summarySB 930 amends West Virginia law to increase the amount of pension benefits subject to annual cost-of-living adjustments for municipal police, firefighters, and employees of waterworks, sewage, and combined water/sewage systems. The bill raises the threshold for calculating these adjustments from $15,000 to $45,000 of an annual pension benefit, meaning a larger portion of their retirement income will now be tied to inflation. This change applies to existing retirees and future beneficiaries under the pension system, without altering the 4% annual cap on adjustments or the two-year waiting period for new retirees. The policy directly affects these municipal workers by potentially increasing their annual pension increases based on inflation data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Maddy summarySB 896 establishes clear rules for when sheriffs in West Virginia must suspend the sale of tax liens. Sheriffs must pause sales if property was already deeded, a prior lien wasn't redeemed, the lien amount is incorrect, or the property is owned by a government entity (federal, state, local) or tax-exempt organization. County commissions then decide whether to proceed with the sale, but cannot order sales on government-owned property. The bill also includes a tax exemption for certain purchasers, though the specific exemption details aren't outlined in the provided text. This directly affects sheriffs, county commissions, and property owners, particularly government entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes time limits for workers to file or modify claims related to progressive massive fibrosis, a lung disease often linked to occupational exposure (like mining). It directly affects workers who develop this condition, allowing them to pursue or adjust compensation claims without being barred by past deadlines. The bill amends West Virginia's workers' compensation code to eliminate statute of limitations barriers specifically for these claims and adds a new impairment rating for progressive massive fibrosis. This change ensures affected workers can access benefits regardless of when symptoms first appeared or worsened.

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 889 requires West Virginia schools to develop and implement cardiac emergency response plans for athletic activities and school grounds. It mandates annual staff training in CPR and AED use, informational meetings for parents about sudden cardiac arrest warning signs, and written parental acknowledgment of the plan before student athletic participation. The bill also sets specific protocols for students with syncope history, requiring medical clearance before returning to sports. These requirements apply directly to public and private K-12 schools and youth sports teams operating under school jurisdiction, focusing on preventing fatalities during cardiac emergencies. The law specifies AED placement, maintenance, and integration with local emergency services as part of school safety protocols.

Maddy summarySB 807 allows physician assistants (PAs) in West Virginia to own medical practices or businesses, which was previously restricted under state law. The bill amends licensing rules to permit PAs to be shareholders in medical corporations and to form professional LLCs under the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. It also prohibits PAs from receiving licenses or authorizations for referrals where they have a financial interest in the referral source. This directly affects PAs seeking greater business ownership opportunities while maintaining safeguards against conflicts of interest in patient referrals. The policy change updates professional licensing provisions without altering PA scope of practice or clinical responsibilities.