Sen. Tom Willis

Maddy summaryThis bill requires West Virginia's Bureau for Social Services to officially file its entire policy manual - including all rules on Child Protective Services, foster care, youth services, licensing, and casework - as a legislative rule by July 1, 2026. Future updates to these policies must also be filed as amendments to this rule under state procedures. The law aims to make bureau policies transparent and subject to standard rulemaking processes, directly affecting how the agency operates. It does not change program eligibility or funding but ensures policies are formally documented and accessible.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes Leadership Berkeley, a community organization in Berkeley County, West Virginia, for its work promoting civic engagement and community development. It acknowledges the group's role in bringing together diverse community members - from business, government, education, and other sectors - to address local issues through educational programs and dialogue. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the West Virginia Senate. The Senate directed the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Leadership Berkeley as a formal acknowledgment of their service.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 48 memorializes the late Sarah Abigail (Mullennex) Minear, a former West Virginia State Senator (1994-2006) and community leader, by formally honoring her life and public service. The resolution recognizes her roles as a philanthropist, founding president of the Tucker Community Foundation and West Virginia Grantmakers Association, and her decades of volunteer work across West Virginia. It extends the Senate’s condolences to her family and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to her loved ones. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy or financial impact, solely commemorating her legacy.

Maddy summarySB 799 modifies eviction procedures in West Virginia by requiring landlords (petitioners) to file proof of serving the tenant (a return of service or return receipt) with the court after delivering an eviction notice. It mandates that courts schedule eviction hearings between 5 and 10 judicial days after the petition is filed and allows tenants to submit a written defense within five days of receiving the notice. These changes apply to both standard residential rentals and factory-built home site evictions. The bill aims to clarify and streamline the process for both landlords and tenants during eviction proceedings.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 1073 would align state worker classification rules with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) standards for distinguishing between independent contractors and employees. The bill requires written contracts stating the independent contractor status, including acknowledgments that the worker is responsible for their own taxes and benefits, and must file business tax returns or operate through a registered business entity. It also mandates that workers control key aspects of their work (like time, location, and ability to work for multiple clients) and satisfy three of six specific criteria to qualify as an independent contractor. This directly affects businesses hiring workers and the workers themselves, as misclassification could lead to liability under state laws for workers' compensation, unemployment, and wage protections. The bill does not change federal tax treatment but ensures state laws match IRS classifications.

Maddy summarySB 1039 (West Virginia Senate Bill 1039) amends the state's indecent exposure law to specifically criminalize biological males who undress in women's locker rooms. The bill adds this behavior to the definition of indecent exposure under §61-8-9(a), making it a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $250 fine. It directly affects individuals who intentionally undress in women's locker rooms under circumstances likely to cause affront or alarm. The law does not apply to mothers breastfeeding, and penalties increase for repeat offenses or if the exposure was for sexual gratification. This bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summarySJR 22 proposes a constitutional amendment to eliminate West Virginia's ad valorem tax on business and inventory tangible personal property (like equipment and stock) starting July 1, 2029. It requires the legislature to replace this lost revenue by adjusting the general sales tax rate to match the previous tax revenue, with funds distributed to counties that previously received payments from this property tax. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect. This change directly affects businesses owning tangible inventory and counties relying on this tax revenue for funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends West Virginia law to increase the maximum number of children allowed in family child care homes. However, the provided bill text does not specify the current limit or the new proposed number, making it impossible to detail the exact policy change. The summary must remain neutral and factual, but the required numerical details are missing from the context. Without this information, a complete summary of the concrete policy change cannot be provided.

Maddy summarySB 961 requires West Virginia executive agencies with rule-making authority to identify at least two existing regulations for elimination whenever they propose a new regulation. This rule-making policy amendment (amending Code §29A-3-20) directly affects all state agencies that create or maintain regulations. Key provisions include mandating agencies to review state rules against federal counterparts, provide public comment periods, and submit reports to legislative committees about stringent rules. The bill aims to reduce regulatory burden by ensuring new rules are balanced with the removal of older ones.

Maddy summarySB 1027 modifies eligibility requirements for West Virginia's Invests Grant Program to expand access for high school students. It removes the requirement for a high school diploma or equivalent for students enrolled in 11th or 12th grade who are participating in dual-enrollment programs at approved institutions. To qualify, these students must meet residency and citizenship requirements, be admitted to an approved institution, demonstrate financial need and academic promise (without needing a diploma), and be on track to graduate high school. The bill specifically amends sections of the West Virginia Code related to higher education grant eligibility and dual-enrollment access.