Sen. Bill Hamilton

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 18 (SR 18) designates January 27, 2026, as Sexual Violence Awareness Day at the West Virginia Legislature. The resolution formally recognizes the prevalence of sexual violence in the state (citing West Virginia women ranking fifth nationally in sexual coercion victimizations) and supports agencies like the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment to honor survivors, support victim services, and renew commitment to addressing sexual violence.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 12 designates January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in West Virginia. The resolution recognizes human trafficking as a global crime affecting people of all backgrounds and highlights the need for public awareness. It references West Virginia's existing "YOU CAN" initiative and encourages residents to learn about trafficking through resources like the See, Send app. This is a symbolic resolution focused on raising public awareness, not creating new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySB 146 creates a process to remove discriminatory restrictions from property records in West Virginia. It allows property owners to directly submit amendments to eliminate unlawful restrictions (like those based on race, religion, or disability) affecting their own property. Homeowner associations can also remove such restrictions without member votes, requiring them to act within 90 days of a member request. The bill mandates specific wording in amendments to clarify they only remove unlawful restrictions and specifies how these changes must be recorded in county land records. This applies to existing documents recorded in land records that violate anti-discrimination laws.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 13) designates January 23, 2026, as "Dental Hygienists Day" at the West Virginia Capitol. It commemorates dental hygienists' contributions to public health in West Virginia, recognizing their work in prevention, treatment, and care for vulnerable populations. The resolution specifically acknowledges dental hygienists from West Virginia colleges (BridgeValley Community and Technical College, West Liberty University, and West Virginia University) and directs the Senate Clerk to share the resolution with the West Virginia Dental Hygienists Association. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 578 amends West Virginia law to extend consumer warranty protections for new motor vehicles to include all covered portions of new motor homes. It updates the definition of "motor vehicle" to explicitly include self-propelled motor homes registered as Class A or B vehicles under state law. This ensures that if a new motor home fails to conform to its express warranty, the consumer can seek remedies for any covered component - not just the main vehicle body - during the warranty period. The bill directly affects consumers purchasing new motor homes in West Virginia who encounter defects covered under the manufacturer's warranty.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 576) requires the Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Health Facilities to continue operating all state-owned health facilities and prohibits the sale or transfer of operations or related property for three specific hospitals - Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital, Welch Community Hospital, and William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital - without prior legislative approval. It strengthens existing duties by mandating that the Secretary cannot divest these facilities to private buyers without an act of the Legislature. The bill directly affects the Secretary’s authority and ensures these hospitals remain under state control unless the Legislature explicitly approves a sale.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 9) designates January 22, 2026, as "Tucker County Day" at the West Virginia Legislature. It recognizes Tucker County's history, cultural contributions, natural attractions (including Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley state parks), and role in tourism and outdoor recreation. The resolution encourages Tucker County residents to continue participating in the democratic process and directs the Clerk to send a copy to Tucker County representatives. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funds.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 10) is a symbolic recognition resolution, not a law. It directs the Senate to formally acknowledge "the Day of the Bible" at the Capitol, citing the historical significance of the 1782 Aitken Bible (the first complete English-language Bible printed in America) and the Bible's broader cultural and moral influence. The resolution encourages reflection on the Bible's role in shaping ethics, justice, and civic life, while affirming religious freedom. It does not create new policies or affect any specific group; it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Senate.

Maddy summarySB 428 creates three new job classifications for school bus operators in West Virginia: Bus Operator I, Bus Operator II, and Bus Operator III, replacing the single existing title. The bill establishes specific pay grades for each new classification and increases the pay grade for cafeteria managers. These changes directly affect school bus operators and cafeteria managers employed by county school boards. The bill amends existing state code sections governing service personnel pay scales and job classifications.

Maddy summarySB 436 requires West Virginia's Department of Human Services (DoHS) to create and implement a statewide prevention plan by February 2027. The plan must provide trauma-informed, evidence-based preventive services to children under 18 and their families - including foster youth, pregnant and parenting teens, youth aging out of foster care, post-adoption youth, and families with economic or safety needs - ensuring accessible services through a mix of physical locations and telehealth. DoHS must track service outcomes, report annually to the legislature starting in 2027 (including county-level data and costs), and work to secure federal funding under the Family First Prevention Services Act. The bill directly affects DoHS operations and the delivery of child welfare prevention services across the state.