Sen. Ryan Weld

Maddy summarySenate Bill 174 creates a new felony offense for indecent exposure in front of minors in West Virginia, defined as exposing one's genitals (penis, vagina, or anus) to a minor. It requires individuals convicted of this offense to register as sex offenders under the Sex Offender Registration Act and increases penalties, including fines and imprisonment for third offenses, with enhanced penalties for repeat violations. The bill also removes a breastfeeding exemption, stating that the clarified definition makes it unnecessary. This legislation updates penalties and registration requirements to strengthen protections for minors.

Maddy summarySB 193 clarifies requirements for transfer on death deeds in West Virginia, which allow property owners to transfer real estate to beneficiaries upon their death without probate. The bill specifies that the transferor must have the same legal capacity as required to make a will (matching will-making standards), and the deed must explicitly state the transfer occurs at the transferor's death. It also requires the deed to be recorded before the transferor's death in the county clerk's office and exempts it from excise tax because the transfer remains revocable until death. This affects property owners using transfer on death deeds to simplify estate planning for real estate.

Maddy summarySB 205 increases prison terms for second-degree murder (to 15-60 years) and voluntary manslaughter (to 5-25 years) in West Virginia. It also raises the minimum time served before parole eligibility to 15 years for second-degree murder and 5 years for voluntary manslaughter. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of these specific violent crimes, requiring longer sentences before parole consideration. These changes amend existing sentencing statutes without altering parole eligibility for other offenses.

Maddy summarySB 201 creates a new felony offense for severe animal cruelty in West Virginia, directly affecting individuals who intentionally cause serious injury or death to domestic animals, fail to provide necessary care to end suffering, abandon animals without veterinary care, or leave them unattended in vehicles causing death. Key provisions include felony penalties of up to $3,000 fines and 3 years in prison for basic violations, and harsher penalties (up to $5,000 fines and 5 years imprisonment) for intentional torture, mutilation, or malicious killing. Misdemeanor charges apply for reckless mistreatment (e.g., withholding food/shelter), with fines up to $2,000 or 6 months in jail. The law excludes lawful farming, hunting, fishing, and standard agricultural practices, and requires animal forfeiture to humane societies upon conviction.

Maddy summarySB 202 would exempt certain military veterans and their families from tuition and fees at West Virginia’s public colleges and universities. It specifically covers: (1) spouses and children of veterans killed in action, missing in action, or who died while serving; (2) disabled veterans with 90%+ service-connected disabilities (since 9/11); and (3) spouses and children of active-duty veterans who died or went missing in service. To qualify, applicants must be West Virginia residents, apply for FAFSA, exhaust other tuition aid, and maintain academic standards. The exemption applies only to undergraduate programs and does not cover special fees like lab costs or parking. The bill is pending in committee and not yet law.

Maddy summarySB 765 establishes the Troops-to-Teachers Program to help military veterans transition into teaching careers. The law directly affects veterans seeking to become licensed teachers by waiving certain state licensing requirements and providing support services. Key provisions include streamlined certification processes, tuition assistance for education programs, and partnerships with school districts to place qualified veterans. The program became effective upon the governor's approval on April 30, 2025, as Chapter 90 of the 2025 Regular Session Acts.

Maddy summarySB 464 creates a special license plate design for recipients of the Medal of Valor, an award given to law enforcement and emergency personnel for acts of heroism. The bill establishes a distinct plate with "Medal of Valor" wording, allowing eligible recipients to display it on their vehicles. This change directly affects individuals who have been honored with the Medal of Valor by their agency or state. The legislation was signed into law on April 24, 2025, and became Chapter 176 of the 2025 regular session acts.

Maddy summarySB 102, titled "Modifying form of certain deeds," was approved by the Governor on April 24, 2025, and became Chapter 210 of the 2025 Regular Session. The bill changes the required format for specific property deeds, though the provided context does not specify which types of deeds or the exact nature of the modifications. It directly affects property owners and title companies handling real estate transactions involving the modified deed forms. As the context lacks details on the specific changes or affected deed types, no further substantive summary can be provided.

Maddy summarySB 722 creates a tax credit program for West Virginia short line railroads (Class II or III railroads or rail siding owners) to fund infrastructure improvements. Eligible companies can claim a 50% tax credit for qualified maintenance costs (capped at $5,000 per mile of track) or new infrastructure projects (capped at $2 million per project or $5 million annually). Credits can be used against state taxes, carried forward for up to five years, or transferred to other taxpayers. The bill directly affects rail operators in West Virginia seeking to modernize tracks, sidings, or safety infrastructure.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 50 is a non-binding request to the federal government to study and implement waterway restoration projects in West Virginia. The resolution specifically asks federal agencies to evaluate and act on debris removal, river bed stabilization, and restoration of natural water flow patterns to address existing flooding damage and prevent future flooding. It was prompted by historic flooding in West Virginia during winter and spring 2025, which left streams and rivers filled with debris that continues to damage property and infrastructure. The resolution requests federal action to mitigate these issues and reduce future recovery costs. This resolution is addressed to President Donald J. Trump and Elon Musk, in his alleged capacity as a special government employee.