Sen. Robbie Morris

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 863 increases the maximum monthly fee parolees must pay for supervision from $40 to $50, based on their ability to pay. The bill requires the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation to assess factors like income, assets, debts, and essential expenses when determining individual fees. This change directly affects parolees in West Virginia by raising the upper limit for supervision fees while maintaining the requirement that fees remain affordable based on each person's financial situation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 29) symbolically designates February 6, 2026, as "Recovery Advocacy Day" at the West Virginia Legislature. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, but formally recognizes the work of addiction and recovery professionals. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send copies to organizations including the West Virginia Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals and the West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences. Its purpose is to acknowledge ongoing efforts in addiction prevention and recovery support across the state.

Maddy summarySB 812 prohibits operating drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) above polling places or within 100 feet of a polling place entrance on election day. This law directly affects anyone flying drones near voting locations during elections, including recreational users, commercial operators, and others. Violating this prohibition is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail. The bill aims to prevent potential disruptions or security concerns at polling sites on election day.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases civil penalties for political committees, candidates, or their treasurers who fail to file complete campaign finance reports or submit grossly inaccurate reports. For first violations, penalties rise from $10 per day to a maximum of $500; subsequent violations max out at $1,000 per report. The Secretary of State must first send written notice of the issue, allowing 7-10 days to fix the report before imposing fines, and may grant up to 14 additional days for good cause. It also allows payment plans and refers unpaid fines to debt collectors after 30 days.

Maddy summarySJR 17 proposes a constitutional amendment that would permit the West Virginia legislature to pass a law exempting owner-occupied homes from property tax. This exemption would apply to homes used as a primary residence by the owner (or one owner) who is a West Virginia citizen, but only for one home per household. If approved by voters in 2026, the legislature could implement this exemption through specific rules, while requiring these homes to continue undergoing regular property appraisals under current law. The amendment does not automatically eliminate property taxes but enables future legislative action to do so under defined conditions.

Maddy summarySB 758 would provide extra state funding to West Virginia school districts for students enrolled in schools designated as "extremely remote" under the bill. It prohibits county school boards from closing such schools during the fiscal year they receive the additional aid and requires submission of specific documentation and reporting. The bill also allows waivers for certain documentation requirements. These provisions aim to support remote schools by ensuring stable funding and operational continuity.

Maddy summaryThis bill reclassifies forestry equipment (such as skidders, forwarders, and processing machinery) as "Class I property" for tax purposes, aligning it with agricultural equipment. It exempts the sale of such equipment from West Virginia's consumers sales and service tax, directly benefiting forestry businesses engaged in harvesting, processing, or transporting forest products. The law also explicitly defines forestry as part of agriculture, recognizing its economic importance to the state. These changes take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definitions and requirements for certified public accountants in West Virginia, affecting individuals seeking CPA certification, accounting firms, and the state Board of Accountancy. It clarifies key terms like "firm," "attestation services," and "affiliated entity" to align with current accounting standards and modernizes education, examination, and experience requirements for certification. The legislation also modifies the Board's rule-making authority and revises provisions regarding practice privileges for out-of-state practitioners, while updating rules on unlawful acts and disciplinary measures for licensees and firms.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 27) designates February 4, 2026, as "West Virginia University Day" at the West Virginia Capitol. It recognizes West Virginia University (WVU) as the state's flagship land-grant institution, highlighting its educational programs, extension services, and community impact across all 55 counties. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves only as symbolic recognition, directing the Senate Clerk to send a copy to WVU leadership. It was adopted unanimously by voice vote on February 4, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 716 would lower the participation requirement for West Virginia's volunteer firefighter tax credit from 30% to 20% of department activities. This change directly affects volunteer firefighters seeking the tax credit, making it easier to qualify by reducing the minimum activity threshold. The bill amends Section 11-13JJ-4 of the state code to update the participation percentage while keeping other eligibility conditions unchanged. Currently, firefighters must participate in 30% of activities; the bill would require only 20%.