Sen. Craig Blair

Maddy summaryThis bill provides an additional $10 million in funding to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2025. The money is designated specifically for drought relief efforts and is drawn from the state's unappropriated surplus revenue. By adding this new appropriation item, the legislation ensures that the department has the necessary financial resources to address agricultural challenges caused by dry weather conditions. The bill was signed into law and establishes this funding as part of the state's regular budget for the year ending June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates surplus state funds to the Bureau of Juvenile Services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The legislation directs money from the State Fund's General Revenue to support various operational areas, including statewide reporting centers, resident medical expenses, and specific juvenile correctional facilities. By adding these new appropriation items, the bill ensures that the necessary budgetary resources are available to maintain services at these centers and for the bureau's central office.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state to use available surplus funds to provide additional financial support for the fiscal year 2025 to the Higher Education Policy Commission and four specific universities: West Virginia University, Marshall University, Concord University, and Shepherd University. The legislation authorizes specific dollar amounts to be transferred from the state's general revenue to each institution's administrative funds to supplement their existing budgets. By adding new funding items to the state's appropriation list, the bill ensures these universities have the necessary resources for their general administrative operations during the upcoming fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the West Virginia State Treasury to provide an additional $13.6 million in funding for the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine for fiscal year 2025. The money is drawn from the state's unappropriated surplus balance in the General Revenue fund and is designated for general operational expenses. By adding this new line item to the state budget, the legislation ensures the medical school has the necessary financial resources to continue its activities for the year ending June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the West Virginia Economic Development Authority to use specific state funds to support broadband expansion projects and a loan insurance program. It allows the authority to transfer money from its Economic Development Project Fund to an insurance fund to back loans provided to broadband providers for capital costs, while also permitting the use of transferred funds to finance these programs directly. The legislation mandates that any money moved for broadband loan insurance be kept in separate accounts and requires annual audits by the Legislative Auditor to ensure proper oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows a single opioid treatment program in West Virginia to be established specifically for a clinical trial comparing office-based methadone and buprenorphine treatments. The program must receive approval from an institutional review board and register with the Board of Pharmacy to operate only for the duration of the study. Additionally, the legislation permits an advanced practice registered nurse participating in this trial to dispense medication and exceed standard prescription limits for a one-time use. These changes are designed to facilitate research on medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder while maintaining strict oversight through registration and approval requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the West Virginia Legislature to replace the state's existing statue of John Kenna in the National Statuary Hall Collection at the U.S. Capitol with a new statue honoring Hershel "Woody" Williams. The legislation recognizes Williams as a Medal of Honor recipient and founder of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument program, citing his military service and community contributions as worthy of national commemoration. To implement this change, the bill establishes a commission to select a sculptor, authorizes the Governor to fund the project from a contingency fund, and mandates that the removed John Kenna statue be displayed at the State Culture Center.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides an additional $300,000 in funding from the state's general revenue to the Division of Culture and History for the 2025 fiscal year. The money is specifically designated for the Capitol Rotunda Statue Project, which involves the creation or installation of a statue within the state capitol building. By adding this new line item to the existing budget, the legislation allows the division to use surplus funds for this particular artistic endeavor. The bill does not alter any other programs or spending categories within the department.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the West Virginia Legislature to add $5 million in supplemental funding to the Office of Emergency Medical Services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The money will come from the state's unappropriated surplus balance in the General Revenue fund and is designated specifically for statewide EMS program support. By creating a new appropriation line item, the legislation ensures these funds are available for the department to use during the upcoming fiscal year.

Maddy summarySB 2040 places a temporary one-year pause on new fire protection fees that municipalities can charge to residents and businesses located outside city limits. This moratorium prevents any new fees from taking effect after June 30, 2024, until June 30, 2025, while still allowing local governments to adjust existing rates that were already in place before that date. The bill applies specifically to non-municipal residents and businesses who currently pay for fire services provided by the town or city where they live.