Sen. Darren Thorne

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a specific tax provision (§11-6A-5a) that previously applied to wind power projects in West Virginia. It removes the existing tax treatment for wind energy facilities from the state code. The repeal directly affects developers and operators of wind power projects in the state by eliminating this specific tax requirement. The bill makes a concrete change to the tax code without adding new provisions or rates.

Maddy summarySB 507 prohibits drag performances in public venues where minors could attend, specifically banning them in schools, libraries, and other public spaces. It defines "drag performance" as shows where performers use clothing/makeup to exaggerate gender identity for entertainment, intended to appeal to prurient interest. The bill also prohibits state agencies from using public funds to host such performances. This directly affects schools, libraries, and state-funded events by restricting where drag shows may occur. The law amends West Virginia’s obscenity statutes to add this specific restriction.

Maddy summaryThis proposal would require West Virginia's State Board of Education to submit all new education policies to the legislature for approval. Before submission, the board must hold public hearings on proposed policies. The legislature would have 60 days during a regular session to approve, amend, or reject policies; if no action is taken, the policy would automatically take effect. This directly affects the State Board of Education (which must seek approval) and the legislature (which gains oversight authority over education policies).

Maddy summarySB 471, the Student-First School Funding Act, revises West Virginia's school funding formula to allocate state funds directly per student enrolled, with extra funding for students from low-income families, those with disabilities, in gifted programs, or attending rural schools. It creates a dedicated School Maintenance Fund with equal access to the existing Consolidation Fund, requiring streamlined applications based on maintenance urgency and educational impact. School districts must report annually on fund use, and the State Auditor will conduct audits to ensure accountability. This bill directly affects all public school districts in West Virginia by changing how state education funds are distributed and accessed.

Maddy summarySB 504 prohibits camping in public places like sidewalks, parks, streets, and under bridges without permission from authorities. It defines "camp" as temporarily residing with shelter (including tents or shelters for weather protection) and makes violations a misdemeanor punishable by fines ($100-$1,000), up to 40 hours of community service, or a free bus ticket to one of six cities for first offenses. Officers must first try to offer alternatives (like shelter services) before issuing citations, unless an immediate safety threat exists. The bill does not override stricter local camping bans but requires consistency with its penalties.

Maddy summarySB 466 would make all vaccinations voluntary in West Virginia, removing current requirements for school enrollment, attendance, or employment. The bill eliminates mandatory vaccination rules for diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough that currently apply to students entering school or child care. It requires health officials to provide immunization information to parents upon request for newborns but removes the requirement for schools or employers to mandate vaccines. The bill preserves existing medical exemption processes and free vaccine access for low-income families. This change directly affects all West Virginia residents, particularly parents, students, and employers.

Maddy summarySB 469, the WV Constitutional Carry Act of 2025, would amend West Virginia law to allow residents aged 18 to 20 to carry concealed deadly weapons without a permit, matching the current rule for those 21 and older. The bill removes the existing prohibition requiring a permit for this age group, updating penalties and provisions in the state code while maintaining current exceptions (such as on private property or during hunting). It does not change the list of individuals prohibited from possessing firearms under state law. This change would directly affect 18- to 20-year-olds who are not barred from firearm possession under existing state law.

Maddy summarySB 481 amends West Virginia law to explicitly permit off-duty law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons in public schools and school events. This change directly affects off-duty officers (including those with active law enforcement credentials) and public schools, clarifying that they are exempt from existing restrictions that prohibit weapons on school grounds. The bill modifies the exemption language in §61-7-11a(b)(2)(A) to specifically include "off duty" officers, removing ambiguity about whether current exemptions cover them. It does not change restrictions for civilians or other personnel, maintaining the existing prohibition for non-exempt individuals.

Maddy summarySB 445 would allow West Virginia state legislators and legislative staff who already hold valid concealed carry permits to carry concealed handguns inside Capitol buildings. To do so, they must first register with Capitol Police and submit a signed letter of intent to carry. This changes current law, which prohibited concealed carry in Capitol buildings (though concealed weapons in locked vehicles was permitted). The bill does not affect other Capitol visitors or expand who may carry; it only modifies the process for existing permit holders among legislators and staff.

Maddy summarySB 432 requires West Virginia county boards of education to adopt policies limiting students' use of personal cell phones and other electronic devices (like smartwatches or tablets) during instruction periods. The bill defines "electronic communication devices" broadly and specifies exceptions only for medical, educational, or emergency purposes. This policy change directly affects all public K-12 schools in the state by mandating school boards to create and implement these device restrictions. The law focuses on minimizing distractions during class time, with no mention of penalties or enforcement mechanisms in the provided text.