Sen. Mike Oliverio

Maddy summarySB 228 establishes a two-county pilot program requiring child protective services workers in West Virginia to use mobile devices (like tablets) during child abuse and neglect investigations. The bill mandates that these devices must create digital records in real time, automatically upload data daily to department servers, and meet specific technical requirements for security and interoperability with existing systems. The pilot, starting October 2027, requires mobile technology use in at least 70% of cases in the participating counties and runs for five years. The Department of Human Services must report annually on the program’s progress to the Legislative Oversight Commission.

Maddy summarySB 28 allows members of the West Virginia State Police Retirement System to convert accrued annual or sick leave into additional retirement credit. It specifically affects current and future State Police retirees, with different rules based on membership start dates: members joining before July 1, 2015, receive two days of retirement credit for each day of accrued leave, while those joining on or after that date receive one day of credit per day of leave. The bill clarifies that each leave day equals eight hours and establishes how remainders (e.g., less than 10 workdays) are handled, ensuring the conversion aligns with existing retirement service calculations.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia Senate Bill 4 creates a new law requiring people to stay at least 30 feet away from first responders (including police, firefighters, probation officers, and emergency medical personnel) while they are lawfully performing duties. It makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly approach within 30 feet after being verbally warned, if the action impedes their work, threatens them, or harasses them (defined as causing substantial emotional distress without legitimate purpose). Violators face fines of $50-$500, up to one year in jail, or both. The bill directly affects individuals near emergency scenes and aims to protect responders from interference. It amends West Virginia Code §61-5-30.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects vulnerable adults from financial exploitation by giving banks new tools to intervene. It applies to adults 65+ or 18+ with significant mental/functional impairments that interfere with financial decisions, as known to their bank. Banks may delay or block suspicious transactions (like large withdrawals to another account), must report suspected exploitation to state agencies (like the Department of Human Services), and are exempt from certain privacy laws when acting in good faith. The law explicitly states banks aren't required to override a customer's valid instructions.

Maddy summarySB 649 requires West Virginia Medicaid to cover home blood pressure monitoring devices for specific enrollees: pregnant individuals or those within 12 months postpartum who have been diagnosed with uncontrolled hypertension. The bill mandates that covered devices must be validated by the U.S. Blood Pressure Validated Listing and includes coverage for an extra blood pressure cuff. Medicaid providers must also receive reimbursement for related services, such as patient training, interpreting readings, and delivering co-interventions. This policy directly affects Medicaid recipients with hypertension during pregnancy or postpartum, expanding access to essential monitoring tools.

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 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 summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 13, 2026, as Veterans Visibility Day within the West Virginia Legislature. The measure formally recognizes the service and sacrifice of West Virginia veterans and current military personnel, acknowledging the state's high rate of military service and the contributions of those who have served. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy to the Department of Veterans Assistance, serving as an official gesture of gratitude rather than establishing new policies or funding.

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 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.