Sen. Robbie Morris

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to investigate the reasons behind the decline of eastern gray fox populations in West Virginia and develop strategies to stabilize and increase their numbers. The bill directs the committee to study ecological factors, economic impacts on trappers, and potential causes for the population decrease since the early 2000s. The committee must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the 2027 regular session, including any proposed legislation needed to address the issue. Funding for the study, report preparation, and potential legislation drafting will come from existing legislative appropriations to the committee.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the dedicated public service of Honorable Michael Andrew Woelfel, a former West Virginia State Senator. The bill honors his career as a prosecutor, juvenile court referee, university professor, and legislator who served three consecutive terms in the Senate. It expresses the Senate's appreciation for his contributions to West Virginia citizens and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Woelfel. This is a commemorative measure with no policy changes or budgetary impact.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests a study by the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to examine whether hunters in West Virginia should be required to buy an additional upland game bird stamp when purchasing a standard hunting license. The proposed stamp would apply to hunters targeting species like ruffed grouse, bobwhite quail, and ring-necked pheasant specifically within wildlife management areas. The resolution includes preliminary data suggesting a $10 stamp could generate about $37,000 in revenue if half of the approximately 7,300 licensed hunters purchased it, with funds potentially used to stock more game birds. The committee is asked to report its findings and any legislative recommendations by the 2027 regular session, with study costs covered through existing legislative appropriations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the dedicated public service of Honorable Charles Houston Clements, a former West Virginia state senator. The bill honors Clements for his legislative career, including his service as Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and his decision not to seek reelection in 2026. It expresses the Senate's appreciation for his commitment to serving West Virginia citizens and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Clements.

Maddy summarySB 774 allows county emergency medical services (EMS) officers to join the Emergency Medical Services Retirement System (EMSRS), removing a prior requirement that they be certified as law enforcement officers. It enables current EMS officers enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to elect to switch to the EMSRS and transfer their eligible service years to the new system. The bill clarifies how retirement benefits are calculated for these officers, ensuring their prior service counts toward future benefits. This change directly affects county EMS officers by providing them with a retirement system tailored to their profession.

Maddy summarySB 671 amends West Virginia's Real Estate Commission rules to clarify membership requirements and appointment procedures. It requires four of the five commissioners to be licensed real estate professionals with at least 10 years of experience in the state, residency for six years, and non-partisan representation (no more than four from one party). The bill also sets a two-term limit for commissioners, specifies that one commissioner must be a non-licensed citizen, and details how appointments are made (including nominations from the West Virginia Realtors association for one seat). These changes directly affect current and future commission members and the process for selecting them.

Maddy summarySB 473 creates felony penalties for threatening to commit violent crimes using electronic devices (like texts, social media, or emails) when the threat causes a building evacuation, widespread fear, or serious disruption. It directly affects individuals who send such threats, making it a felony if the communication causes significant public alarm or evacuation. The law specifies that prosecutors must prove the threat was viewed as threatening by a reasonable person, and it prohibits defenses like claiming the threat wasn't "real." Penalties include fines up to $10,000 or prison terms of 1-10 years for these offenses.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 10, 2026, as Hunger Free West Virginia Day to acknowledge the state's ongoing food insecurity challenges. The measure highlights that over 277,000 West Virginians struggle to access consistent nutrition, including children, seniors, and veterans. It formally recognizes the work of the state's charitable food network, which distributed more than 36.8 million pounds of food in 2025 through partnerships with community organizations. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send copies to Facing Hunger Foodbank and Mountaineer Foodbank as a gesture of appreciation for their efforts.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 426 establishes a mandatory "call before you dig" notification system to prevent damage to underground infrastructure. It requires excavators (e.g., construction crews) to notify utility operators of planned digging activities before starting work, covering facilities like gas lines, water mains, sewer systems, and fiber optic cables. The bill creates an Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Board to enforce these rules, with penalties collected from violators funding the board directly instead of the state treasury. This affects all entities performing excavation work in the state, aiming to reduce accidental damage to critical underground utilities.

Maddy summarySB 928 defines "Low-Proof Spirit Alcohol Products" as beverages containing 0.5% to 15.5% alcohol by volume (not including wine, beer, or nonintoxicating beer), packaged in containers under 25 fluid ounces. It establishes new regulatory requirements for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of these products, including specific sales and distribution rules. The bill also specifies a tax methodology for these products and grants the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Commission authority to create implementing rules. This legislation directly affects businesses producing or selling low-proof alcohol beverages, creating a distinct regulatory category separate from traditional spirits, beer, or wine.