Sen. Vince Deeds

Maddy summarySB 28 requires health insurance plans in West Virginia to cover clinical genetic testing for inherited cancer-related gene mutations (for individuals with a family history of cancer, as recommended by a doctor) and evidence-based cancer imaging (for those at increased cancer risk, per medical guidelines) without any cost-sharing like copays or deductibles. This applies to all individual, group, and public employee health insurance policies issued, renewed, or adjusted in West Virginia on or after January 1, 2026. The law ensures these specific preventive services are fully covered at no additional cost to patients who meet the medical criteria. It does not alter existing coverage for other medical services.

Maddy summarySB 515 establishes a new legal process for involuntary hospitalization of adults with substance use disorder in West Virginia. It requires a court to find, based on evidence, that a person poses an immediate danger to themselves or others due to substance use and could benefit from treatment. Petitions must be filed by family, friends, or guardians, include proof of danger, and guarantee payment for care. The bill allows for up to 60 days of treatment initially (with a possible 360-day extension) or 72-hour emergency holds, with strict court oversight including medical examinations and hearings within 14 days.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with legal effect) that formally commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Sport Fish Restoration Program. It recognizes the program's history since 1950, which uses excise taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuels to fund state fisheries conservation efforts through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The resolution honors anglers, the sportfishing industry, state agencies, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their role in restoring fish populations. It does not create new laws, change funding, or affect any specific individuals or groups beyond acknowledging their historical contributions.

Maddy summarySB 508 restructures West Virginia's mental health commitment system by creating regional mental hygiene commissioners appointed by the Supreme Court of Appeals, replacing the previous county-based system. It requires mental health evaluations and hearings to be conducted via video technology (with facilities providing required tech), limits civil commitments to 120 days without a hearing, and mandates Certified Community Mental Health Centers to provide 24/7 coverage for evaluations in each region. The bill also removes licensed counselors and social workers as approved examiners, adds temporary observation releases for patients, and clarifies that certain court approvals only apply to forensic patients. These changes directly affect individuals facing involuntary mental health commitment, mental health facilities, and county courts handling these cases.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 509 amends West Virginia laws (§61-8D-3 and §61-8D-4) to increase criminal penalties for parents, guardians, custodians, or trusted adults who abuse or neglect children. It specifies that a third or subsequent offense involving child abuse or neglect resulting in bodily injury becomes a felony (with 1-5 years in prison), while prior convictions under these sections trigger higher fines and longer sentences for repeat offenders. The bill also clarifies that misdemeanor convictions for such offenses do not automatically restrict custody rights or require registration under sex offender laws, and mandates potential services like parenting classes for misdemeanor cases. It explicitly states that reasonable discipline is not covered under these penalties.

Maddy summarySB 475 creates West Virginia's Violent Crime Prevention Act, requiring law enforcement to submit ballistic data to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) for firearms allegedly used in three specific offenses: felony crimes of violence against persons, domestic violence, or distribution of controlled substances. This applies to all West Virginia law enforcement agencies, which must submit the data within one month of charging an individual with one of these offenses. The bill directly affects law enforcement procedures by mandating this data submission as a standard part of investigations into violent firearm-related crimes. It establishes a clear timeframe for compliance but does not alter criminal penalties or create new offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes requirements for clothing allowances for children in foster care in West Virginia. It mandates that foster parents, kinship caregivers, or residential providers assess each child's clothing and essential item needs at placement, requiring an initial allowance of at least $375 to cover an adequate wardrobe (season-appropriate, good-condition clothing that fits the child) and approved necessities like hygiene products. For ongoing needs, it allows supplemental allowances up to $175 per instance for unexpected issues like damaged clothing or illness. Payments must primarily use a reloadable instant card (issued within 48 hours), with purchasing cards or reimbursement as secondary options.

Maddy summarySB 481 amends West Virginia law to explicitly permit off-duty law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons in public schools and school events. This change directly affects off-duty officers (including those with active law enforcement credentials) and public schools, clarifying that they are exempt from existing restrictions that prohibit weapons on school grounds. The bill modifies the exemption language in §61-7-11a(b)(2)(A) to specifically include "off duty" officers, removing ambiguity about whether current exemptions cover them. It does not change restrictions for civilians or other personnel, maintaining the existing prohibition for non-exempt individuals.

Maddy summarySB 463 creates a new misdemeanor offense for the first-time simple possession of narcotics or methamphetamine classified as Schedule I or II substances in West Virginia. This replaces previous penalties, setting a maximum penalty of six months to three years in regional jail or a $1,000 fine for first offenses. For second or subsequent offenses within five years, possession becomes a felony punishable by one to five years in prison or a $1,000 fine. The bill also requires all such cases to be tried in circuit court and allows courts to reduce certain felony convictions to misdemeanors under specified conditions.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 7 creates a new felony crime for knowingly and willfully desecrating a deceased human body where the death resulted from criminal activity. It defines "desecrate" as physically damaging, mutilating, or otherwise mistreating a body in a way that would outrage reasonable observers. Violators face 2-10 years in prison (served consecutively) and fines of $2,000-$10,000. The law excludes medical professionals acting within their lawful professional duties, as covered under existing medical regulations.