Sen. Jack Woodrum

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the definition of "electioneering" near polling places in West Virginia. It prohibits campaign signs, solicitation of votes, and distribution of campaign materials within 100 feet of polling entrances (including during early voting), while exempting news media exit polling, bumper stickers on parked vehicles, and non-advocacy educational materials. It permits voters to use cell phones to view candidate lists or ballot questions inside polling places, bans photography/videography in voting areas (except for law enforcement investigations), and maintains the 100-foot buffer zone for electioneering. The law applies directly to voters, poll workers, candidates, and election officials during voting hours.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 25 requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study incentives and policies to better fund public libraries across West Virginia. The resolution highlights that public libraries serve as vital community resources, particularly in underserved and rural areas, providing free access to books, digital resources, educational programs, and job training. The committee is directed to report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations - including potential legislation - to the 2026 Legislature. This resolution does not directly fund libraries but aims to identify effective strategies for improving their financial support. The study will focus on how to best sustain library services that support literacy, workforce development, and community engagement statewide.

Maddy summarySCR 24 is a procedural resolution requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study West Virginia's medical residency program shortages. It directs the committee to examine why medical graduates remain "unmatched" in residency programs and explore solutions like allowing unmatched graduates to intern with licensed physicians in the state and addressing federal funding constraints for residency programs. The resolution specifically asks the committee to consider creating an Unmatched Medical Graduate Advisory Council to address these issues. The committee must report its findings and recommendations to the 2026 legislative session, with any proposed legislation drafted based on those recommendations. This resolution does not enact new policy but initiates a study to inform future action on physician shortages.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state licensing system for certified professional midwives (CPMs) in West Virginia. It requires midwives to hold national certification from the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) and meet education, age, and credentialing standards to obtain a license. License holders must renew every two years by submitting proof of current NARM certification and participating in perinatal outcome data reporting. The law directly affects midwives seeking to legally provide maternity care in West Virginia, ensuring they meet standardized national and state requirements.

Maddy summarySB 67 allows the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WV DOT) to issue permits for sanctioned motor vehicle racing events on public roads, municipal streets, or airports under specific conditions. It directly affects motorsports sanctioning bodies (like recognized race organizers) seeking to host events, requiring them to obtain permits, provide insurance, and secure written permission from local authorities (counties, municipalities, or airports). Key provisions include a permit fee deposited into the State Road Fund to cover administrative costs, strict safety and traffic control requirements, and exemptions from standard road obstruction and speed laws for authorized events. The bill also clarifies that the state and WV DOT are not liable for event-related injuries or damage, shifting responsibility to permittees through indemnification agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires West Virginia's Medicaid program and the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) to cover doula services for eligible individuals. It defines a doula as a non-medical professional providing continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period (from confirmed conception through 365 days after delivery). The law mandates minimum visit requirements for prenatal and postpartum care, establishes specific billing protocols, and requires the Department of Human Services to submit a state plan amendment by a set deadline to implement this coverage. It directly affects low-income pregnant individuals enrolled in Medicaid or PEIA who would now have access to doula support as part of their maternity benefits.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 6) requests the West Virginia Division of Highways rename bridge number 10-077/00-062.66 (I-77 over Skitter Creek/Coal Haul Road in Fayette County) as the "U.S. Army Major Jerome Lee Workman Memorial Bridge." It directly affects the Division of Highways, which would implement the name change and install signage. The resolution commemorates Major Workman's military service (including the Silver Star and Purple Hearts) and civilian engineering career but does not create new laws or alter policies.

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 54 requires all West Virginia public schools to provide age-appropriate Holocaust education starting in the sixth grade. The bill mandates instruction on the systematic annihilation of European Jews and other groups by Nazi Germany, as a "watershed event in human history," using guidance from the West Virginia Commission on Holocaust Education. Schools must teach this topic in a way that examines human behavior and promotes responsible, respectful citizenship. The instruction cannot be provided before sixth grade, applying directly to all public schools within the state.

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.