Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 1) requests the West Virginia Division of Highways to rename specific bridges and road segments after military veterans and community members. It directly affects the Division of Highways, which would implement the proposed names for 15+ existing infrastructure locations across 10 counties. The resolution specifies exact locations (e.g., a bridge in Wayne County to be called the "Hercie Maynard Memorial Bridge" or a section of WV Route 10 as the "Purple Heart Trail") without creating new laws or funding. It is purely a naming request, not a policy change, and honors individuals with military service or local significance. The resolution was quickly adopted by both legislative chambers in January 2026.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) designating January 28, 2026, as "West Virginia Tourism and History Day" at the legislature. It recognizes tourism and history organizations, businesses, volunteers, and educators for their contributions to West Virginia's economy and cultural heritage. The resolution encourages citizens and visitors to explore the state's historic sites and cultural experiences. It has been adopted by the Senate with a voice vote.
Maddy summaryThis bill transfers responsibility for flood control dams and related structures from local conservation districts to the West Virginia Conservation Agency. It removes conservation districts' authority to construct, operate, improve, or maintain these dams and requires them to transfer all associated assets, property, funds, and accounts to the state agency by specific deadlines. The bill also updates definitions to clarify that "water management" does not include dam construction or maintenance. This change directly affects conservation districts across West Virginia, centralizing oversight under the State Conservation Committee.
Maddy summarySB 585 increases annual salaries for specific state employees in West Virginia, including West Virginia State Police members (across all ranks), forensic laboratory personnel, public school teachers, and school service staff. The bill establishes new salary schedules effective July 1, 2026, with detailed pay rates for each position category (e.g., troopers, sergeants, forensic scientists). It also maintains existing length-of-service pay increases for State Police members, which began in 2015. The legislation directly affects these state workforce groups by raising their base pay through specified salary schedules.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 9) designates January 22, 2026, as "Tucker County Day" at the West Virginia Legislature. It recognizes Tucker County's history, cultural contributions, natural attractions (including Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley state parks), and role in tourism and outdoor recreation. The resolution encourages Tucker County residents to continue participating in the democratic process and directs the Clerk to send a copy to Tucker County representatives. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funds.
Maddy summarySB 571 modifies West Virginia law to implement the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. It exempts the program from standard state purchasing rules (§5A-3-3d) to ensure timely use of federal funds. The bill also requires public schools to adopt the Presidential Fitness Test for students in grades 4-8 and high school (§18-2-7a), and mandates that medical and osteopathic boards require continuing education in nutrition for license renewal (§30-3-12, §30-14-10). These provisions directly affect rural health programs, public schools, and licensed healthcare professionals.
Maddy summarySB 401 would exempt new hires and promoted employees in West Virginia's Departments of Health Facilities, Human Services, and Health from the state civil service system and grievance process, starting July 1, 2026. Current employees in these departments will retain their existing civil service status and grievance rights in their current positions, while those who leave and return to the same departments will transition to the exempt system. The bill does not apply to Governor-appointed positions and does not affect existing laws against nepotism, discrimination, or unethical employment practices.
Maddy summarySB 391 requires West Virginia's Child Protective Services (CPS) to assign workers to counties based on population, referrals, and average caseload, as determined by the commissioner. It prevents any staffing reduction below the level established on January 1, 2023, and allows temporary adjustments for immediate needs like current caseloads. The CPS bureau must annually report to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources by July 1, detailing any assignment changes lasting over three weeks and their justifications. This bill clarifies the allocation formula and reporting requirements for CPS staffing across counties.
Maddy summaryThis procedural resolution (SR 2) creates a Senate Select Committee on School Choice for the 87th Legislature's second session. The committee, appointed by the Presiding Officer and limited to 17 members, will study school choice issues and gather information on related legislative proposals. It has jurisdiction over all school choice-related bills but does not enact policy changes. The resolution was adopted unanimously on January 14, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to allow churches and religious denominations in West Virginia to incorporate, changing the current prohibition in Article VI, Section 47 of the state constitution. If approved, it would permit religious groups to form legal entities (incorporate) while maintaining existing provisions for securing church property and its use. The amendment specifically authorizes incorporation for religious organizations that choose to do so, without altering how church property is managed or transferred. It requires voter approval in the 2026 general election to take effect.