Sen. Darren Thorne

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 50 is a non-binding request to the federal government to study and implement waterway restoration projects in West Virginia. The resolution specifically asks federal agencies to evaluate and act on debris removal, river bed stabilization, and restoration of natural water flow patterns to address existing flooding damage and prevent future flooding. It was prompted by historic flooding in West Virginia during winter and spring 2025, which left streams and rivers filled with debris that continues to damage property and infrastructure. The resolution requests federal action to mitigate these issues and reduce future recovery costs. This resolution is addressed to President Donald J. Trump and Elon Musk, in his alleged capacity as a special government employee.

Maddy summarySB 940 amends West Virginia's Water Pollution Control Act (§22-11-8(d)) to prevent local governments (political subdivisions) from imposing water pollution standards stricter than federal or state rules when administering permits under state delegation. It directly affects cities, counties, and other local entities that issue water pollution permits. The bill prohibits local ordinances from being more stringent than existing federal or state regulations, with limited exceptions specified in the law. This change ensures uniformity in pollution control standards across the state by preventing local governments from creating additional requirements.

Maddy summarySB 864 clarifies that in burglary prosecutions under West Virginia law, a person unlawfully entering or remaining in a dwelling may be legally inferred to have intended to commit a crime against a person or property. The bill specifically amends Section 61-3-11 of the West Virginia Code to define this inference clearly, directly affecting prosecutors and courts handling burglary cases. It does not change penalties (1-15 years imprisonment) or expand who can be charged, but streamlines how intent is proven. The key change replaces vague language with explicit wording that unlawful entry alone can support an intent inference. This provides clearer guidance for judges and juries during burglary trials.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 25 requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study incentives and policies to better fund public libraries across West Virginia. The resolution highlights that public libraries serve as vital community resources, particularly in underserved and rural areas, providing free access to books, digital resources, educational programs, and job training. The committee is directed to report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations - including potential legislation - to the 2026 Legislature. This resolution does not directly fund libraries but aims to identify effective strategies for improving their financial support. The study will focus on how to best sustain library services that support literacy, workforce development, and community engagement statewide.

Maddy summarySCR 24 is a procedural resolution requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study West Virginia's medical residency program shortages. It directs the committee to examine why medical graduates remain "unmatched" in residency programs and explore solutions like allowing unmatched graduates to intern with licensed physicians in the state and addressing federal funding constraints for residency programs. The resolution specifically asks the committee to consider creating an Unmatched Medical Graduate Advisory Council to address these issues. The committee must report its findings and recommendations to the 2026 legislative session, with any proposed legislation drafted based on those recommendations. This resolution does not enact new policy but initiates a study to inform future action on physician shortages.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 44) honoring basketball legend Jerry West, a native of West Virginia. It memorializes his life and legacy, recognizing his birth in Chelyan, West Virginia; his high school and college career at West Virginia University; his NBA playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers; and his contributions to basketball as a player, coach, and executive. The resolution also acknowledges his philanthropy, including the Jerry West Scholarship for WVU students. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a formal tribute expressing the Senate's respect and extending sympathy to his family.

Maddy summarySB 470, the WV Athletic Freedom Act, allows West Virginia high school students, coaches, and athletic trainers to participate in outside sports teams or events without being barred from school sports. It prohibits school districts and the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission from restricting this outside participation as a condition for school team membership. However, coaches retain the right to prevent players from missing team practices or games due to outside activities, and team requirements must take priority during postseason play. The law aims to expand athletic opportunities while maintaining school team obligations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to change West Virginia's constitution, removing the prohibition on incorporating churches or religious denominations. If approved by voters, it would allow religious groups to form legal entities (incorporate) if they choose, while maintaining existing laws governing church property ownership, sale, and transfer. The amendment specifically revises Article VI, Section 47 of the state constitution to state that "incorporation of religious denominations is permitted" rather than prohibited. It does not create new requirements but clarifies that churches may opt to incorporate under general laws, with no direct impact on existing unincorporated religious organizations.

Maddy summarySJR 8 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring all voters in West Virginia elections to be U.S. citizens. The amendment would add language to the state constitution stating: "Only citizens of the state who are citizens of the United States shall be entitled to vote at all elections." This would codify the existing requirement that voters must be U.S. citizens, which is already enforced under current law. The proposal must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 730 establishes a Forest Carbon Registry managed by West Virginia's Division of Forestry to track carbon offset agreements and projects on state forestlands. It requires landowners, developers, and purchasers to register projects within 60 days of agreement, including GIS shapefiles showing property boundaries, and to file existing agreements by July 2027. Non-compliance incurs civil penalties ($2,500 for first offense, $5,000 for second, and business license suspension for repeat violations). The law directly affects entities involved in forest carbon projects, ensuring transparency in land use and carbon credit transactions.