Sen. Ryan Weld

Maddy summarySB 893 creates a new criminal offense for harming service animals in West Virginia. It prohibits knowingly causing physical harm to a service animal while it is assisting a person with a disability (such as blindness, deafness, or mobility impairment) or recklessly taunting, striking, or interfering with such an animal in ways that disrupt its assistance. Violators face misdemeanor penalties of up to one year in jail, a $500 fine, or both, plus mandatory payment of veterinary costs, retraining, or replacement expenses for the animal if harmed or killed. This bill directly affects individuals who assault service animals and provides financial protections for people with disabilities who rely on these animals.

Maddy summarySB 831 establishes the Troops-to-Teachers Program to recruit veterans of the armed forces, including retirees, for teaching positions in West Virginia public schools. The program, to be implemented by the state superintendent, ensures veterans meeting certification requirements receive a veterans' hiring preference as outlined in existing law (§6-13-2). This initiative creates a direct pathway for veterans to transition into teaching careers while leveraging their skills and experience within the state's education system.

Maddy summarySB 808 creates the West Virginia Justice Reinvestment Task Force to comprehensively review the state's adult justice system and propose improvements. The task force, composed of 19 members including state agency directors, judges, legal professionals, law enforcement representatives, victims, formerly incarcerated individuals, and community advocates, will examine areas such as bail, sentencing, corrections, behavioral health services, and reentry programs. It must submit a progress report by July 1, 2025, and a final report with recommendations by January 15, 2026, after which the task force will terminate. This bill directly affects state government operations by establishing a structured process for analyzing justice system policies.

Maddy summarySB 472 requires the West Virginia Department of Human Services to make public reports of child abuse or neglect through the newly created Critical Incident Review Team, replacing current confidentiality rules. It mandates that the public access these reports in the same format as the team’s existing reporting, adds specific data to the child welfare dashboard, and allows the Foster Care Ombudsman access to case information - including reporter identities. The bill amends existing laws (§49-2-809, §49-5-101, and §49-11-101) to enable this transparency while maintaining confidentiality for certain sensitive details. It directly affects the Department of Human Services (which must implement the changes), the public (who gains access to reports), and child welfare stakeholders. The law creates the Critical Incident Review Team to oversee this process and sets reporting requirements for the department.

Maddy summarySB 804 gives public charter schools direct control over all extracurricular activities for their students, replacing county board oversight. It allows charter schools to optionally delegate athletic and band activities to the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC), which would now be a state agency managing rules for competitive balance (including transfer counts) and handling disputes through its executive director. The bill removes a written permission requirement for homeschoolers, Hope Scholarship participants, and microschool students to join school activities, while modifying fees they pay. It also changes commission membership to include athletic directors (or their representatives) from schools that delegate authority, and shifts all commission funds to public funds.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 17, 2025, as Domestic Violence Awareness Day at the West Virginia Legislature. It serves as a symbolic recognition of domestic violence issues, citing state and national statistics on victimization and services provided by West Virginia's domestic violence programs. The resolution expresses the Senate's commitment to addressing domestic violence but does not create new laws, funding, or policy changes. It specifically acknowledges the work of the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence and directs a copy to their organization.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 31) designates March 14, 2025, as Suicide Prevention Awareness Day at the West Virginia Legislature. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the importance of suicide prevention through a symbolic legislative acknowledgment. The resolution cites West Virginia's high suicide rates (18.3 per 100,000 residents, with 71% involving firearms) and emphasizes the need for mental health awareness and access to treatment. It directs the legislature to forward a copy to the West Virginia chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the definition of a "disabled veteran taxpayer" under West Virginia's property tax law. It specifies that a veteran must have a 90% or greater service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or meet VA's individual unemployability criteria for service-related injuries since September 11, 2001, to qualify. The change ensures veterans meet a consistent, clear standard for property tax benefits without altering the benefit amount or eligibility threshold. It directly affects veterans seeking property tax relief by defining the disability criteria more precisely.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 26 designates March 13, 2025, as "National K9 Veterans Day" to honor military working dogs and their handlers, recognizing their service since the inception of the U.S. War Dog Program on March 13, 1942. The resolution acknowledges the historical contributions of military K9s during WWII and beyond, as well as their ongoing roles in police, fire, and search-and-rescue operations. It is a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or direct impact on regulations or funding. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 13, 2025, and directs the Clerk to forward a copy to the War Dog Guardians organization.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 22) commemorates the 175th anniversary of Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, West Virginia, recognizing its status as the state's longest continually operating hospital since its founding in 1850. The resolution honors the hospital's historical milestones, including its founding by Bishop Richard Whelan, its role during public health crises (like the 1918 flu and COVID-19), and its integration into WVU Medicine in 2021. It extends formal appreciation to the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and WVU Medicine for their ongoing support. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy impact but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the hospital's community service. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Senate on March 12, 2025.