Sen. Ryan Weld

Maddy summarySCR 27 is a request for the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study West Virginia's alcohol sales regulations. The bill asks the committee to examine current rules (many dating to the 1930s) that govern alcohol sales, distribution, and consumption. The study will assess whether these regulations are efficient, modern, and effective, considering input from businesses, consumers, health professionals, and law enforcement. The committee must report its findings and recommendations to the 2026 legislative session.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 26 directs the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study smoke shops in West Virginia, focusing on products they sell, health risks, and sales to minors. The resolution specifically asks the committee to examine both legal and illegal tobacco, nicotine, CBD, kratom, and cannabis products, including their compliance with federal safety guidelines. The committee will assess how illegal products enter the state and their sources, with a report due to the 2026 legislative session. This study aims to inform potential regulatory changes regarding these products without proposing new laws. The resolution does not make policy changes but requests a comprehensive examination to address safety concerns.

Maddy summarySB 939 requires medication-assisted treatment (MAT) facilities in West Virginia to implement a specific drug testing schedule for patients with substance use disorder. Upon admission, patients must undergo a comprehensive drug test, followed by direct observation tests every two weeks for six weeks, then every 45 days for one year, and every six months after that. Facilities must also allow providers to request tests at any time to assess treatment compliance. This bill directly affects patients in MAT programs and the facilities providing these services, establishing clear, time-based testing protocols to monitor treatment adherence.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests the West Virginia Division of Highways rename bridge number 12-028/07-012.02 (locally known as Weimer Bridge) in Grant County as the "Becker Brothers - Eugene and Kermit Becker Memorial Bridge." It specifies the bridge's location (carrying CR 028/07 over North Fork Lunice Creek) and requires the Division of Highways to install new signage identifying the memorial name. The bill is procedural and commemorative, with no substantive policy changes beyond the bridge naming and signage. It passed both legislative chambers on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 44) honoring basketball legend Jerry West, a native of West Virginia. It memorializes his life and legacy, recognizing his birth in Chelyan, West Virginia; his high school and college career at West Virginia University; his NBA playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers; and his contributions to basketball as a player, coach, and executive. The resolution also acknowledges his philanthropy, including the Jerry West Scholarship for WVU students. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a formal tribute expressing the Senate's respect and extending sympathy to his family.

Maddy summarySB 834 creates a tax credit for property owners rehabilitating certified historic buildings in West Virginia. It offers a 10% credit on rehabilitation costs for most projects, increasing to 25% for projects starting after December 2017 with specific certification. The bill allows owners to claim credits incrementally for phased rehabilitation projects (e.g., staged construction) as each phase is completed, provided they submit final certification within 60 months. This credit applies only to buildings designated as "certified historic" by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History and the National Park Service, and requires owners to be current on all tax payments when claiming the credit.

Maddy summarySJR 8 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring all voters in West Virginia elections to be U.S. citizens. The amendment would add language to the state constitution stating: "Only citizens of the state who are citizens of the United States shall be entitled to vote at all elections." This would codify the existing requirement that voters must be U.S. citizens, which is already enforced under current law. The proposal must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 728 amends West Virginia law to clarify requirements for transfer on death deeds, which allow property owners to designate beneficiaries who automatically receive the property upon the owner's death. The bill requires these deeds to include standard deed elements, explicitly state the transfer occurs at death, meet capacity requirements, and be recorded before the owner's death. Crucially, it specifies that such deeds are exempt from real estate transfer excise tax at recording because no property interest transfers until the owner dies. This directly affects property owners using transfer on death deeds and their designated beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the required liability insurance coverage for community groups using school property from previous amounts to $1 million per occurrence with $5 million in excess coverage. It directly affects county boards of education and community organizations (like nonprofits or volunteer groups) using school facilities for events, requiring them to maintain this insurance. The insurance must be obtained from a company licensed to operate in West Virginia, and the State Board of Risk and Insurance Management may provide this coverage at the group's cost. The bill does not change liability for unorganized recreation or gross negligence cases.

Maddy summarySB 105 updates retirement eligibility for county sheriffs in West Virginia who are enrolled in the public retirement system. It clarifies that sheriffs may retire at age 62 with at least eight years of actual, contributing service as an elected sheriff, instead of the standard requirement of age 60 with five years of service for other public employees. The bill specifically applies to sheriffs not participating in another retirement system administered by the retirement board. This change modifies Section 5-10-20 of West Virginia’s retirement law to explicitly address sheriffs’ eligibility.