Sen. Robbie Morris

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 13) memorializes Wanda Porterfield Casto, a 34-year part-time Senate Secretary/Administrative Assistant who served the West Virginia Senate and dedicated her life to public service. The resolution formally honors her legacy as a wife, mother, grandmother, and public servant, extending the Senate's deepest sympathies to her family following her passing on May 20, 2024. It directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to her family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely to recognize her contributions.

Maddy summarySB 599, the "Creating Sound Science in Regulations Act," requires West Virginia state agencies to base new environmental regulations on "best available science" before proposing or finalizing rules related to drinking water, air quality, hazardous waste, or chemical safety. It defines "best available science" as reliable, unbiased studies published in refereed journals with independent verification, excluding industry-funded research or non-peer-reviewed data. The law applies only to new state regulations stricter than federal standards or created without federal equivalents, exempting existing rules, federal compliance actions, and regulations mirroring federal standards. This bill directly affects state environmental agencies and their rulemaking processes for public health and environmental protection.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 3) creates a Select Committee on Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health for the Eighty-Seventh Legislature. The committee, appointed by the Senate Presiding Officer (up to 17 members), will gather information on prevention, treatment, research, policies, access to care, and funding related to substance use disorders and mental health. It may meet during legislative interims and has jurisdiction over related legislative proposals, operating under Senate committee rules. This is a procedural resolution establishing a committee, not a law changing policy.

Maddy summarySB 582 allows current campus police officers at West Virginia state universities to join the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Police Officer Retirement System. It requires all new campus police hires starting January 1, 2026, to participate in this same retirement system. Current officers cannot transfer existing retirement credits or funds into the DNR system. The bill specifically affects campus police officers employed by state institutions, changing their retirement plan options without altering their current benefits or compensation. This policy change is limited to retirement system enrollment, not other employment terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how West Virginia fills vacancies in the state Senate or House of Delegates. It requires political parties to submit a list of three qualified candidates to the Governor, following their state executive committee's rules, rather than allowing other party members to propose names. It also adds a new requirement that any appointed official must have resided within the district they will represent for at least one year before appointment. The Governor must appoint from the submitted list within five days, with strict deadlines for submission (15 days after vacancy). This affects the Governor, political parties, and potential appointees by standardizing the vacancy process.

Maddy summarySJR 11 proposes a constitutional amendment to West Virginia's Constitution that would change term limits for county sheriffs. Currently, a sheriff who serves two consecutive terms becomes ineligible for the next term. The amendment would specifically allow a person appointed to fill a sheriff's term with less than two years remaining to run for two consecutive terms after their appointment. This change would apply only to those appointed to finish terms with less than two years left, while maintaining the general rule for elected sheriffs. The amendment would require voter approval in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution designates February 18, 2025, as "West Virginia Banker's Day" at the state legislature. It recognizes the banking industry's economic contributions to West Virginia, including job creation, business lending, and community support, as outlined in the resolution's explanatory statements. No new policies, funding, or regulatory changes are created - this is solely a symbolic acknowledgment directed to the West Virginia Bankers Association. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 18, 2025, via voice vote.

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 476 increases funding flexibility for West Virginia's Water Development Authority by raising the annual transfer limit to its Critical Needs and Failing Systems Sub Account from $12 million to $14 million. It raises the project cost cap for certain infrastructure extensions from $2 million to $3 million and allows grants for facility upgrades (under $300,000) to reduce maintenance, operations costs, or waterline leakages. This directly affects local water and wastewater systems facing aging infrastructure or service disruptions. The bill modifies existing rules to expand eligible projects without changing grant allocation limits.

Maddy summarySB 480 allows licensed substitute and full-time teachers in West Virginia to serve as parent volunteers for school activities - like sports events or clubs - without needing a new background check. It directly affects teachers who have already undergone a background check for their teaching roles. The bill eliminates redundant checks by permitting these educators to use their existing clearance for volunteer work, saving time and cost. This change applies to all West Virginia public schools and addresses reported shortages of parent volunteers in some counties. The policy modifies existing background check requirements for school personnel.