Sen. Mike Oliverio

Maddy summarySB 568, the Oral Health and Cancer Rights Act, requires health insurers in West Virginia to cover medically necessary dental procedures directly related to cancer treatment (such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation). This affects cancer patients needing dental care to eat, breathe, speak, or swallow after treatment, and all health benefit plans offered by insurers in the state. The bill mandates that covered services must be billed using the specific modifier "West Virginia Code §33-64-1" (or a unique prescription identifier for medications), ensuring insurers recognize these procedures as covered. The law takes effect July 1, 2027, applying to all nonexempt health insurance contracts.

Maddy summarySB 526 modifies how public employee health insurance premiums are calculated under West Virginia's Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). It requires the finance board to develop annual financial plans with actuarial review, ensuring plans cover all costs including claims. The bill establishes specific reimbursement rates (110% of Medicare for providers), sets employer/employee cost-sharing percentages, and allows different cost levels based on ability to pay for current employees and retirees. It also permits subsidizing retired employees' coverage through employer premiums. This directly affects all West Virginia public employees, retirees, state employers, and healthcare providers participating in PEIA.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (SR 7), not a bill with policy changes. It expresses the West Virginia Senate's support for H.R. 5966, a federal bill titled the "Ohio River Restoration Program Act." The resolution states that West Virginia (which has 277 miles of the Ohio River shoreline) will benefit from the proposed federal program. The resolution does not create any new laws or programs itself; it merely formally proposes approval of the federal H.R. 5966 bill, which aims to improve water quality, restore habitats, and enhance recreation along the Ohio River Basin. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the West Virginia Senate on January 20, 2026.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 6 (SR 6) is a symbolic resolution recognizing West Virginia school custodians for their role in maintaining safe, clean learning environments. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges custodians' contributions to school safety, health, and student well-being through the Senate's official resolution. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 20, 2026, and directs copies to the School Service Personnel Association, the WV State Superintendent, and David Hallinan. As a non-binding resolution, it affects no individuals or entities through legal requirements, serving solely as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special revenue account within West Virginia's Department of Human Services to reduce out-of-state residential placements for children in state care. It establishes a Commission with representatives from child welfare, behavioral health, juvenile justice, education, and court systems to study current placement practices and develop strategies to expand in-state treatment capacity. Key provisions require the Commission to report annually with an implementation plan targeting a 50% reduction in out-of-state placements within three years, while promoting collaboration between agencies through joint funding proposals and improved access to in-state facility data. The bill directly affects children in foster care or juvenile justice systems, their families, and state agencies responsible for their care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires West Virginia dental insurance companies to publicly report how much of each premium dollar is spent on actual dental care versus administrative costs, using a standardized format similar to federal requirements. It mandates annual transparency reports showing medical loss ratios (the minimum percentage of premiums spent on care), allows consumers to compare insurers online, and requires rebates to policyholders if less than 80% of premiums fund patient care. The law also prohibits insurers from forcing dentists to accept only credit card payments with fees and ensures clear payment method options. It directly affects dental insurers, dentists, and dental insurance customers in West Virginia.

Maddy summarySB 516 sets a new state minimum salary of $50,000 for all West Virginia public school teachers beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, replacing the previous minimum schedule. It also provides a $2,000 annual base salary increase for every teacher and an additional $1,200 annual increase specifically for teachers providing math instruction or special education services. The bill amends the state salary schedule to reflect these changes, ensuring all teachers meet the new $50,000 minimum regardless of experience level or degree. This policy directly affects every public school teacher in West Virginia, with the changes taking effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 539 (SB 539) increases compensation rates for panel attorneys and guardians ad litem appointed in West Virginia abuse and neglect cases. The bill amends existing statutes to require detailed time records (in tenths of hours) for services, mandates payment within 45 business days of voucher submission, and establishes clear dispute resolution processes for rejected or reduced payments. It directly affects legal professionals representing vulnerable clients in child welfare and protective services cases. Key provisions include standardized payment timelines, electronic voucher processing, and court-level final authority for payment disputes. The bill focuses on improving payment fairness and efficiency for court-appointed advocates in these critical cases.

Maddy summarySB 487 creates the West Virginia Trails, Access, and Stewardship Act to establish a coordinated statewide system of non-motorized trails (hiking, biking, equestrian, water trails, and ADA-accessible segments). It forms the West Virginia Trail Authority to set uniform standards for trail development, safety, wildlife protection, and emergency response, while creating a dedicated Trail Maintenance and Stewardship Fund for long-term upkeep. The bill directly affects state agencies, trail users, landowners (by prioritizing voluntary agreements over eminent domain for trail corridors), and communities through economic development opportunities. Key provisions include mandating statewide signage, mapping, flood management protocols, and clarifying that existing whitewater outfitter regulations remain unchanged.

Maddy summarySB 458 provides a $5,000 salary increase for all employees of the West Virginia Division of Highways, effective July 1, 2026. This direct pay raise applies to current road maintenance and highway workers employed by the state. The bill amends existing law to implement this specific salary adjustment without altering other existing provisions like scholarship programs. The change is effective immediately upon enactment for all eligible employees as of the specified date.