Sen. Jack Woodrum

Maddy summarySB 716 would lower the participation requirement for West Virginia's volunteer firefighter tax credit from 30% to 20% of department activities. This change directly affects volunteer firefighters seeking the tax credit, making it easier to qualify by reducing the minimum activity threshold. The bill amends Section 11-13JJ-4 of the state code to update the participation percentage while keeping other eligibility conditions unchanged. Currently, firefighters must participate in 30% of activities; the bill would require only 20%.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new criminal offenses for intentionally abusing or desecrating human remains, including mutilation, dismemberment, or unauthorized disposal of a deceased body or cremated remains. It establishes a base felony offense (1-5 years in prison or up to $5,000 fine) and an aggravated offense (2-10 years or $2,000-$10,000 fine) when the act involves concealment, obstruction, commercial exploitation, or connection to other felonies. The law applies to both bodies and cremated remains but exempts lawful activities by medical professionals, funeral directors, law enforcement, and researchers acting within legal authority. Prosecutions may occur in the county where the conduct happened or where the remains were discovered.

Maddy summarySB 627 amends West Virginia's Build WV Act to reform tax credit eligibility for residential housing projects. It replaces project cost calculations with a new cap on tax credit liability for new approvals, specifically allowing smaller projects in designated rural areas to qualify. The bill requires annual adjustments to the program based on demand and establishes a dedicated Build WV Credit Reserve Fund to manage these changes. This directly affects developers seeking tax credits for new residential construction or rehabilitation of unoccupied housing, clarifying which project expenses (like construction, utilities, and materials) qualify while excluding costs covered by other incentives.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 1) requests the West Virginia Division of Highways to rename specific bridges and road segments after military veterans and community members. It directly affects the Division of Highways, which would implement the proposed names for 15+ existing infrastructure locations across 10 counties. The resolution specifies exact locations (e.g., a bridge in Wayne County to be called the "Hercie Maynard Memorial Bridge" or a section of WV Route 10 as the "Purple Heart Trail") without creating new laws or funding. It is purely a naming request, not a policy change, and honors individuals with military service or local significance. The resolution was quickly adopted by both legislative chambers in January 2026.

Maddy summarySB 642 clarifies the process for nominating county assessors to serve on West Virginia's Property Valuation Training and Procedures Commission. It requires the West Virginia Assessors Association to nominate only assessors who meet approved monitoring requirements, with preference given to those holding recognized certifications. The bill also mandates that nominations include no more than two assessors from the same political party and ensures no more than seven commission members belong to one party. This directly affects county assessors seeking commission appointments and aims to standardize nomination criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SB 636, allows West Virginia counties and municipalities to enter into agreements with the West Virginia Land Stewardship Corporation to have the Corporation serve as their local land reuse agency. It amends existing law to explicitly permit such intergovernmental agreements, requiring them to include key details like board structure, member qualifications, and public input processes - similar to how local governments would create their own land reuse agencies. The Land Stewardship Corporation, a nonprofit entity focused on economic development, would then manage land reuse programs (such as repurposing vacant properties) within the partner jurisdiction. This change provides local governments with an additional option to leverage the Corporation’s expertise without establishing a separate agency. The bill does not mandate any government to use this option, only to permit it if chosen.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 16) designates January 27, 2026, as "Civil Air Patrol Day" at the West Virginia Legislature. It formally recognizes the West Virginia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a volunteer organization supporting homeland security, search and rescue, and youth education programs. The resolution commends CAP members for their service and directs the Senate Clerk to forward the resolution to CAP leadership. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy or funding impact - it solely honors CAP's contributions.

Maddy summarySB 632, the "Atmospheric Intervention Oversight and Public Safety Act," prohibits unauthorized weather-altering activities within West Virginia, including cloud seeding, stratospheric aerosol injection, and electromagnetic or thermal energy-based modifications. It directly affects any individual, organization, or entity conducting such activities in or above the state, requiring prior state authorization from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for permitted interventions. The bill establishes DEP as the lead agency to enforce prohibitions, investigate violations through cooperative efforts with law enforcement, and impose penalties for unauthorized actions. It defines prohibited activities broadly and mandates transparency, while explicitly stating DEP shall not issue permits for atmospheric modification (per §22-37-3(a)).

Maddy summarySB 526 modifies how public employee health insurance premiums are calculated under West Virginia's Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). It requires the finance board to develop annual financial plans with actuarial review, ensuring plans cover all costs including claims. The bill establishes specific reimbursement rates (110% of Medicare for providers), sets employer/employee cost-sharing percentages, and allows different cost levels based on ability to pay for current employees and retirees. It also permits subsidizing retired employees' coverage through employer premiums. This directly affects all West Virginia public employees, retirees, state employers, and healthcare providers participating in PEIA.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 480 establishes an Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Board to prevent damage to underground utility lines during excavation work. The bill defines key terms like "excavator" (anyone performing digging or demolition) and "underground facility" (including gas, water, electrical, and telecom lines), and mandates a one-call notification system before digging begins. It authorizes the board to investigate damage incidents, impose civil penalties, require training, and retain collected penalties directly for its operations instead of returning them to the state budget. This bill directly affects construction workers, utility companies, and anyone performing excavation work in West Virginia.