Sen. Mike Oliverio

Maddy summarySB 887 updates West Virginia's licensing rules for money transmission services to include virtual currency kiosks. It requires businesses operating these kiosks to obtain a money transmission license, sets disclosure requirements for customers using them, and clarifies that kiosks operate as delegates of licensed money transmitters. The bill directly affects businesses offering virtual currency services through kiosks in the state. Key provisions define "virtual currency kiosks" under money transmission regulations, establish a licensure start date for kiosks, and address conflicts between state and federal law on money transmission.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 32) expresses the West Virginia Senate's commitment to protecting coal-dependent communities and energy infrastructure. It specifically requires coal-fired power plants to operate at a minimum 69% annual capacity factor to maintain grid reliability and protect over 10,000 coal jobs, while opposing actions that threaten mine closures or job losses. The resolution also pledges to prioritize local coal jobs over "out-of-state contracting" and prevent ratepayers from bearing higher costs due to reduced coal generation. As a non-binding resolution (adopted February 18, 2026), it does not create new law but formally commits the Senate to supporting coal through policy advocacy and oversight.

Maddy summarySB 662 creates a pilot program to provide free colorectal cancer screening and treatment in West Virginia for "unserved populations" - individuals with inadequate access to care due to financial constraints. The program, administered by the Bureau for Public Health, awards grants to approved organizations (like clinics or hospitals) to deliver screenings, diagnostic colonoscopies, and treatment at no cost to patients. Covered services include pre-visit consultations, colonoscopy procedures, polyp removal, and pathology, with treatment initiated if cancer is detected. Organizations must meet quality standards, and the program requires annual reporting on metrics like screenings performed, costs, and outcomes to the Legislative Oversight Commission.

Maddy summarySB 973 proposes to create a criminal offense for individuals who dispose of or attempt to dispose of their property to avoid paying debts, fines, or fees without the creditor's knowledge or consent. This law would directly affect debtors who transfer assets to evade payment obligations to creditors. The bill amends West Virginia Code §61-3-24 to specify that such actions constitute a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. It clarifies that intentionally hiding or moving property to prevent debt collection is now explicitly prohibited under state law.

Maddy summarySB 149 allows contracted general counsel who have provided legal services for West Virginia executive agencies for 10 or more consecutive years to purchase retroactive service credit toward their Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) benefits. These counsel would pay the employee portion of the cost, while their agency covers the employer portion, with no interest or penalties applied for the retroactive credit. The service credit must be paid in full within 24 months of ending their contract, and cannot exceed one year of credit per calendar year for the period of service.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 3) requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study how to fund West Virginia's Flood Resiliency Trust Fund. The committee must examine potential funding sources, including state revenue streams (like severance taxes), federal matching programs, lessons from other states, required funding levels, and using excess money from the Income Tax Reserve Fund. The study aims to develop a sustainable strategy to support the fund's goals, such as improving flood data, protecting infrastructure, and advancing risk reduction. The committee must report findings by January 1, 2027, to inform future legislation. This resolution does not allocate funds but directs a study to address current gaps in the fund's long-term financing.

Maddy summarySB 949 establishes West Virginia's "Uniform Assignment for Benefit of Creditors Act" (UABCA), creating a standardized legal process for individuals and businesses (assignors) to transfer all assets to a third party (assignee) to pay creditors. The bill defines key terms like "assignor," "assignee," and "claim," and sets clear requirements for assignment agreements, creditor notification, and asset transfers. It outlines how claims are processed (allowed, disputed, or disallowed), specifies duties for assignors and assignees, and clarifies distribution rules and court oversight. This act aims to provide predictable, uniform procedures for debt resolution through asset transfers, directly affecting creditors, debtors, and assignees in West Virginia.

Maddy summarySB 951 closes the Parent Education and Mediation Fund, which previously funded parent education and mediation programs, effective July 1, 2026. Any unspent money in the fund will be transferred to the Family Court Fund. The bill also redirects the portion of jury costs that would have gone to the Parent Education and Mediation Fund (per §52-1-17) to the Family Court Fund instead. This ensures existing state funds are reallocated to support family court services without creating new programs.

Maddy summarySR 42 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Walter Dolph Helmick, a former West Virginia state legislator and public servant. It memorializes his life and career, noting his service as a coal miner, teacher, businessman, Mason, West Virginia House of Delegates member, Senate member (1989-2013), and Commissioner of Agriculture. The resolution formally recognizes his contributions to West Virginia and extends condolences to his family following his death in 2025. As a non-binding memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or effect on legislation.

Maddy summarySB 958 closes the Enforcement of Guardianship and Conservatorship Act Fund on July 1, 2026, and transfers any remaining balance to the Court Security Fund. It redirects $35 of the $110 filing fee for guardianship or conservatorship petitions to the Court Security Fund (previously paid to the closed fund). The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals will now administer these funds to cover costs for reviewing guardian/conservator reports and an education program. This bill affects how fees and unspent funds are managed in guardianship and conservatorship cases across West Virginia.