Maddy summarySenate Bill 475 establishes rules for West Virginia state agencies regulating "chemicals of emerging concern" (like PFAS, microplastics, and nanomaterials). It prevents state rules from being stricter than existing federal standards for these chemicals, and requires any new state rules (where no federal standard exists) to be based on "best available science" and "weight of scientific evidence." The bill defines key terms like "best available science" to ensure regulations rely on reliable, peer-reviewed studies showing a direct link between chemical exposure and actual health harm. This directly affects state environmental and health agencies responsible for setting limits on water quality, air pollution, and hazardous materials.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes statewide standards for outdoor wood- and coal-burning heaters (like those used in rural homes or farms). It requires new installations to be at least 150 feet from property lines and 300 feet from occupied homes, mandates 18-foot stacks, and restricts fuel use to "clean" wood (under 20% moisture), untreated pellets, or manufacturer-approved fuels. Rural property owners with 10+ acres may operate year-round without seasonal limits, provided setbacks are met. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection enforces these rules, and local governments cannot create stricter requirements without DEP approval.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a behavior-based regulatory system for e-bikes and other trail devices across West Virginia. It creates three operational classes: Class A (traditional pedal bikes), Class B (limited motor-assist bikes), and Class C (motor-propelled devices like throttled e-bikes), classifying devices based on how they're used rather than technical specs. The law requires all users to yield to equestrians and pedestrians, sets default speed limits (12-15 mph on natural trails, 20 mph on paved paths), and prohibits exceeding posted speeds. It applies to all public trails statewide, directly affecting cyclists, e-bike riders, pedestrians, equestrians, and trail managers.
Maddy summaryThe West Virginia Officials Training Program Act creates a voluntary training program for county commissioners, municipal officials, and members of boards/commissions (like planning or parks boards) who manage public funds and make governance decisions. Administered by the State Auditor, it establishes a tiered certification system with role-specific courses covering fiscal oversight, compliance, and emergency response, including a dedicated track for school board members. The program aims to improve local governance by providing structured, role-appropriate training, with the State Auditor overseeing curriculum development and annual reporting.
Maddy summarySB 482 creates West Virginia's Driver Safety Modernization Act to improve road safety by establishing a system for reviewing drivers whose medical conditions, age, or behavior may affect driving ability. It requires periodic medical certification for certain drivers (not solely based on age), creates a medical review unit for fair assessments, and mandates reporting of wrong-way driving incidents. The bill also provides immunity for doctors reporting medical concerns, offers senior driver safety courses and mobility planning resources, and requires the state to review highway interchanges where wrong-way crashes occurred. This law directly affects drivers over a certain age, medical professionals, law enforcement, and the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Maddy summarySB 484 creates a new licensing system for retailers selling vape products, intoxicating hemp derivatives (like Delta-8), Kratom, and similar substances in West Virginia. It requires both a state license (administered by the Alcohol Beverage Control Administration's new Division of Regulated Products) and a county operating permit for these businesses. The bill prohibits candy-like packaging, neon advertising, and self-serve displays, while requiring retailers to cover all costs for testing, documentation, and compliance. Counties gain authority to enforce local rules on product placement, advertising, and immediate license suspensions.
Maddy summarySB 487 creates the West Virginia Trails, Access, and Stewardship Act to establish a coordinated statewide system of non-motorized trails (hiking, biking, equestrian, water trails, and ADA-accessible segments). It forms the West Virginia Trail Authority to set uniform standards for trail development, safety, wildlife protection, and emergency response, while creating a dedicated Trail Maintenance and Stewardship Fund for long-term upkeep. The bill directly affects state agencies, trail users, landowners (by prioritizing voluntary agreements over eminent domain for trail corridors), and communities through economic development opportunities. Key provisions include mandating statewide signage, mapping, flood management protocols, and clarifying that existing whitewater outfitter regulations remain unchanged.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act in West Virginia, creating a legal framework to prevent children from being wrongfully removed or retained by custodial parents or others. It directly affects children at risk of abduction, parents or guardians involved in custody cases, and courts handling child custody matters. Key provisions require courts to issue protective orders when a credible risk of abduction is proven, based on specific risk factors outlined in the law, and mandate detailed petitions including child and respondent locations, prior abuse cases, and custody history. The act also standardizes procedures for courts to communicate across jurisdictions and outlines steps for obtaining warrants to secure a child's safety.
Maddy summaryThe bill title "SB 3: Allowing Supreme Court discretion to create uniform pay scales" does not match the provided text. The actual document is **House Concurrent Resolution 3 (HCR 3)**, a procedural resolution requesting the Division of Highways to name specific bridges and roads in West Virginia after veterans and community figures. It lists 23 infrastructure locations (e.g., "John and Virginia Skidmore Memorial Bridge," "U.S. Army PFC Edwin L. Mackey Memorial Bridge") with geographic coordinates and dedications, seeking commemorative naming for public infrastructure. This is a non-substantive, commemorative resolution with no policy changes or mechanisms beyond naming.
Maddy summarySB 5 exempts retirement income for retired West Virginia campus police officers from state personal income tax, effective July 1, 2026. This applies specifically to retirement benefits received under any qualified retirement system (including those sponsored by colleges/universities) that would otherwise be taxable under federal rules. The exemption covers all retirement income received after the effective date, including survivorship annuities. It directly affects retired campus police officers employed by West Virginia institutions of higher education. The bill amends West Virginia Code §11-21-12 to add this specific exemption to the state's tax code.