Maddy summarySB 838 defines "residence" for voter registration and voting in West Virginia. It establishes that a person's residence is where their habitation is fixed with intent to return, using the location of their usual sleeping area (e.g., bedroom) if habitation crosses district boundaries. The bill creates a process for election officials to challenge registrations: they must document the challenge, mail a 30-day notice requiring proof of residency, and decline applications if evidence isn't provided. This directly affects voters registering or voting, election officials, and county clerks who handle residency verification. The bill clarifies existing rules without changing voting eligibility, focusing on administrative procedures for residency determination.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 854 amends West Virginia's Charitable Funds Act to expand the Secretary of State's enforcement authority when investigating charitable organizations, professional fund-raisers, or solicitors. It grants the Secretary the power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas for witnesses and evidence, involve circuit courts to enforce subpoenas, and request legal assistance from the Attorney General. The bill does not create new penalties but clarifies existing enforcement mechanisms under §29-19-15 of the West Virginia Code. It directly affects entities required to comply with charitable solicitation regulations by strengthening oversight tools. The measure focuses on procedural improvements to investigations, not substantive policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires political committees in West Virginia to include the full contact information (name, address, phone, email) of the committee chair in their registration forms. It amends the existing statement of organization process by adding the chair's details as a mandatory field alongside treasurer and committee contact information. The requirement applies to all political committees supporting candidates for state, county, or district offices (including legislative and judicial races). Committees must also acknowledge in their registration that they will comply with West Virginia's campaign finance reporting rules.
Maddy summarySB 859 transfers the responsibility for hearing appeals of law enforcement certification decisions from the Deputy Cabinet Secretary to the Office of Administrative Hearings. It directly affects law enforcement officers, trainees, and applicants who have been denied entry into certification programs, reactivation of certification, or had certification suspended or decertified. The bill amends two sections of West Virginia law to clarify that the Office of Administrative Hearings must handle all appeals from the Governor’s Committee on Crime, Delinquency, and Correction subcommittees. This change streamlines the appeals process by shifting it from a department official to a dedicated administrative office.
Maddy summarySB 834 prohibits the refund of filing fees paid by candidates for all public offices in West Virginia, including state, federal, and local positions. This change applies to all candidates who pay fees under §3-5-8 of the West Virginia Code - such as those running for governor, state legislature, county offices, or judicial seats - regardless of whether they withdraw from a race or fail to appear on the ballot. The bill amends existing law to make filing fees non-refundable in all circumstances, removing any prior option for refunds. It directly affects every candidate who submits a certificate of announcement for election. The policy change is purely procedural, with no additional requirements or mechanisms beyond eliminating refund eligibility.
Maddy summarySB 858 requires the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WVDHSEM) to conduct state and national criminal history background checks on two groups: individuals applying to become Statewide Interoperable Radio Network (SIRN) radio programmers and those seeking approval to work in SIRN network facilities. The checks involve fingerprinting submitted to the West Virginia State Police for FBI processing, with applicants responsible for all associated costs. Strict confidentiality rules apply, prohibiting disclosure of results to private entities except to the applicant, with their written consent, or under court order, and the records are explicitly excluded from public disclosure. This bill clarifies and formalizes existing requirements for personnel security access to critical emergency communications infrastructure used by first responders.
Maddy summarySB 883 clarifies that West Virginia courts must use a "preponderance of the evidence" standard (meaning it is more likely than not true) for final hearings that could revoke probation or parole. It directly affects individuals on probation or parole who face revocation hearings for violating conditions. The bill specifies that for serious violations like absconding, new crimes, or violating protective conditions, courts may revoke probation and impose sentence, while minor violations may result in short confinement (up to 60 or 120 days) for first or second offenses. This change formally codifies the existing standard for these hearings without altering penalties or procedures.
Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies who may be present near polling places during elections for non-voting activities, such as business operations or normal activities that typically occur at the location. It specifies that people living or working within 100 feet of the entrance may remain for legitimate business (e.g., local merchants), but cannot enter the voting area. The bill also permits drivers to drop off voters within 100 feet (and stay for voters with disabilities until they depart) and sets limits on polling place order, including a five-foot distance from voting booths and ballot boxes. These changes aim to reduce confusion while maintaining election integrity.
Maddy summarySB 882 establishes a "Blue Envelope Program" for drivers in West Virginia diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The bill requires the West Virginia State Police to distribute durable blue envelopes containing a clear statement of the driver's diagnosis, communication tips for officers, space for personalized needs, emergency contact information, and instructions for use during traffic stops or accidents. These envelopes will be available by mail and at state police offices, holding license and registration documents. The program explicitly states no diagnosis verification is required, and individuals providing good-faith information are granted immunity from liability.
Maddy summarySB 837 amends West Virginia law to strengthen protections against fraudulent financing statements, which are legal documents used to secure loans against property. It requires debtors who believe a fraudulent statement was filed to submit an affidavit to the Secretary of State, along with written notice to all affected secured parties (lenders or creditors) at least 30 days before filing. The bill gives the Secretary of State new authority to investigate suspected fraud, reject invalid filings, and request additional documentation, while increasing penalties for violations to include fines, jail time (up to 5 years for repeat offenses), and civil liability for damages up to $10,000 plus attorney fees. This directly affects debtors, creditors, and the Secretary of State’s office by creating a clearer process to challenge and prevent fraudulent filings.