Sen. Robbie Morris

Maddy summarySB 856 expands the State Fire Marshal’s inspection authority to include municipalities with certified fire code officials, inspectors, and plans examiners. It specifically allows these local officials to conduct inspections in business, mercantile, and public assembly occupancies - previously limited to state-level inspections. The bill creates a two-year probation period for uncertified municipal staff to meet certification requirements, after which they must be certified to continue working. It also clarifies certification standards and permits municipalities to share certified personnel across jurisdictions for fire code enforcement.

Maddy summarySB 860 creates a state fund to cover funeral expenses for certain first responders who die while performing official duties. It authorizes up to $8,000 in payments for reasonable funeral and burial costs for law enforcement officers (including public facility security staff), firefighters (paid and volunteer), emergency medical personnel, correctional employees, and probation officers. The fund complements existing benefits but ensures at least $8,000 is available if other sources provide less. Payments require written certification that the death occurred "as a proximate result of official duties" and do not duplicate benefits under other state laws.

Maddy summarySB 549 would increase the daily payment for jurors in West Virginia from a current range of $15 to $40 per day to a new range of $40 to $100 per day. This change applies to both trial jurors (petit jurors) and grand jurors serving on court cases. The bill replaces the previous minimum of $15 with a new minimum of $40 and raises the maximum from $40 to $100. The reimbursement remains determined by the court and paid from the state treasury, but ensures jurors receive at least $40 per day.

Maddy summarySB 1007 clarifies voting eligibility for West Virginia residents living overseas who were previously domiciled in the state. It allows citizens temporarily abroad to vote absentee ballots if they were last registered or eligible to vote in West Virginia, hold valid U.S. citizenship documentation, do not have permanent residency elsewhere, and intend to return. The bill modifies existing absentee voting rules to explicitly include this group under the same criteria as uniformed services voters. It does not create new voting methods but expands access for former West Virginia residents meeting these specific conditions.

Maddy summarySB 756 allows state spending units (like departments and agencies) to use "best value procurement" when they determine it benefits the state, expanding an existing authority previously limited to the purchasing director. This method requires selecting bids based on total value - including lifetime costs, technical merit, past performance, and quality - not just the lowest price. The bill specifies that awards must go to the highest-scoring qualified bidder whose proposal is deemed most advantageous in writing, while excluding government construction contracts. It does not create new spending but changes how existing procurement decisions are made across state agencies.

Maddy summarySB 1014 increases Medicaid dental reimbursement rates for providers in West Virginia to address rising costs, as noted in a 2024 state report showing current rates fail to cover service expenses. It expands dental coverage for adults 21+ to include diagnostic, preventative, and restorative services (excluding cosmetic procedures), with a $2,000 annual spending limit per beneficiary. The bill requires the state to implement a dental care system with quality oversight and submit annual cost reports to legislators starting in 2027. A 20% fee increase for dental services must be enacted by December 2028 to align with federal matching requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1009 provides legal immunity from civil lawsuits for staff, volunteers, and board members of West Virginia Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) who make recommendations or render opinions in good faith while performing their official duties. This bill amends West Virginia Code §49-3-101 to explicitly state that such individuals cannot be held liable for civil damages based on their actions within their scope of work. The immunity applies specifically to those acting as part of multidisciplinary teams responding to child abuse allegations, covering activities like forensic interviews, medical evaluations, and victim advocacy coordinated through CACs. It directly affects CAC workers by protecting them from civil claims related to their professional duties, without altering the centers' required services or operational standards.

Maddy summarySB 1013 allows municipal police and firefighters in West Virginia to convert their accrued annual or sick leave into additional retirement service credit. Specifically, they can use unused leave days (at a rate of 1 day for 1 day, with monthly credits calculated at 20 days per month) to increase their retirement pension. However, this converted service cannot count toward the mandatory 20-year service requirement for retirement, and the additional pension benefit is capped at 1% of the member’s average annual salary. The bill applies to participants in municipal pension plans overseen by the Municipal Pensions Oversight Board.

Maddy summarySB 983 creates a centralized public database called the State Tax Lien Registry, maintained by West Virginia's Tax Division. It requires the Division to file notices of unpaid tax liens (for final tax debts like fees, penalties, or interest) into this registry, including debtor names, addresses, lien amounts, and basis. Once filed, these liens automatically attach to all of the debtor's real and personal property (tangible and intangible) across all West Virginia counties for 10 years. This registry replaces older county filings and serves as the official record for tax liens against individuals or entities who owe the state money.

Maddy summarySB 989 changes membership rules for the Medical Services Fund Advisory Council and creates a new Medicaid Beneficiary Advisory Council. It increases the council size from 9-15 to 11-15 members, requires specific nominations from professional groups (like medical, dental, and primary care associations), and adds a new Medicaid Beneficiary Advisory Council to represent Medicaid recipients. The bill also repeals the old Children’s Health Policy Advisory Board structure and updates the council’s responsibilities to align with federal requirements. These changes directly affect council members, professional associations that nominate them, and Medicaid beneficiaries through the new advisory body.