Sen. Mike Oliverio

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 647 allows public universities to enter agreements with student-athletes for compensation related to their name, image, or likeness (NIL), such as endorsement deals or social media partnerships. It prohibits institutions from using state funds for these payments and bans student-athletes from earning NIL compensation for alcohol, adult entertainment, or other specified activities. The bill also prevents athletic conferences or associations from penalizing student-athletes or institutions for engaging in authorized NIL activities, including reducing scholarships. This directly affects student-athletes at West Virginia public universities and the state's higher education institutions. The law aims to clarify NIL rights while limiting certain commercial uses and regulatory interference.

Maddy summarySB 656 creates a 25-foot buffer zone around first responders during lawful duties. It directly affects bystanders who ignore verbal warnings to stay back while police, firefighters, probation officers, or emergency responders are working. The bill prohibits approaching within 25 feet with intent to impede duties, threaten harm, or harass the responder. Violations are punishable by fines up to $500 or up to one year in jail. This law aims to protect responders from close proximity interference during critical operations.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 657 would exempt retirement income for West Virginia campus police officers from state personal income tax, effective July 1, 2025. The bill amends the state tax code to exclude such retirement benefits from taxable income, applying to retirement systems including those sponsored by colleges and universities. This change directly affects retired campus police officers by removing their retirement income from state tax calculations. The exemption covers retirement income received after the effective date, including payments to surviving family members under survivorship annuities.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 558 requires public high school students to earn at least one-half credit in a computer science course to graduate, starting with the 2027-2028 school year for ninth graders. The bill defines "computer science" as studying programming, algorithms, and computer principles - not basic computer skills like word processing - and mandates courses meet state standards, offered in person unless not feasible (then allowing blended or online options). Schools must list approved courses by 2026, and if a computer science course fulfills a math or science requirement, transcripts must note it as equivalent for college admissions. The law also requires the State Board of Education to create rules supporting teacher capacity and course flexibility.

Maddy summarySB 31 updates West Virginia's DNA collection policies for law enforcement. It requires DNA samples from all individuals convicted of felonies or certain misdemeanors (including domestic battery), as well as those formally charged with felonies via indictment or waiver. The bill specifies DNA testing methods, mandates expungement of records in certain cases (like dismissed charges), and clarifies that delays in expungement won't invalidate prior arrests or warrants based on DNA matches. These changes directly affect people convicted of qualifying offenses and law enforcement agencies managing the state DNA database.

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 summaryThis bill clarifies trespassing rules specifically for student housing and alcohol-serving facilities at West Virginia's state universities and colleges. It defines "residence halls" as student housing and "student facilities" as campus locations serving alcohol to students (excluding sports venues). The law makes it a misdemeanor to remain after being asked to leave by authorized personnel (like campus police or administrators), with fines starting at $15 for first offenses and up to $100 for repeat violations within a year. It directly affects students, visitors, and campus staff by specifying who may access these areas and the consequences for non-compliance. The bill does not change existing trespass laws but targets campus premises to streamline enforcement.

Maddy summarySB 603 exempts retirement benefits received by retired West Virginia campus police officers from the state's personal income tax, effective July 1, 2025. This applies specifically to retirement income from any retirement system or qualified plan (including those sponsored by colleges/universities) that is taxable under federal law. The bill directly affects retired campus police officers employed at West Virginia institutions of higher education. The exemption is a standalone change to the state tax code, removing these retirement benefits from taxable income for qualifying individuals.

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.