Sen. Patricia Rucker

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 10, 2026, as "Homeschool Day" at the West Virginia legislature to recognize homeschooling families, students, and educators. It acknowledges homeschooling's role in student achievement and citizenship through ceremonial recognition only, with no new policies, funding, or legal requirements. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to share the designation with homeschooling organizations. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect on education policy or state operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires West Virginia election officials to capture and publish digital images of ballots cast in statewide elections, along with cast vote records, to enable public verification of election results. It mandates that each printed ballot include a unique number and a designated space for voters to voluntarily mark their ballot with a personal identifier using ink, without denying acceptance of ballots based on the presence or absence of such marks. The Secretary of State must publish these records and images within 24 hours of receiving them from counties, while implementing privacy protections that prevent individual voter identification in precincts with fewer than 10 absentee or provisional ballots.

Maddy summarySB 884 requires health insurance plans (including Medicaid) to cover intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy for children diagnosed with specific conditions, including pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). The bill applies to all health insurance plans issued or renewed after January 1, 2027, directly affecting pediatric patients with these conditions and their insurers. Key provisions mandate that physicians must obtain prior authorization by demonstrating all other treatment options have been exhausted before IVIG coverage is approved. This law aims to standardize coverage for these complex neurological conditions while adding a clinical review step to ensure appropriate use of the treatment.

Maddy summarySB 879 eliminates West Virginia's Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs by repealing its statutory foundation (§5-26-1) and removing its director from state commissions. The bill transfers the office's remaining Minority Affairs Fund balance to the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment Fund, removes the director from the West Virginia Hope Scholarship Board, and substitutes a new appointee. It also directs renaming Building 3 of the State Capitol Complex after Herbert H. Henderson and creating commemorative signs for the building. These changes formally terminate the office's operations while preserving a symbolic tribute to its namesake.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 850 creates the "Second Amendment Preservation Act," prohibiting state enforcement of federal regulations on intrastate firearm sales, transfers, or possession within West Virginia. The bill declares such federal rules "null and invalid" and imposes civil penalties of $50,000 per violation plus attorney fees against federal entities like the ATF that attempt to enforce them. It requires the state Attorney General to defend West Virginia residents prosecuted by federal authorities for intrastate firearm transactions and to sue federal actors violating the act. The law specifically applies to transactions occurring entirely within West Virginia, not interstate commerce.

Maddy summarySB 806 clarifies West Virginia's definition of "farm" or "farmland" for property tax purposes. It allows landowners or tenants to operate non-farming business activities (like agritourism or small retail) on qualifying farmland without losing its tax classification, as long as farming remains the primary and predominant use. The bill specifies that land cannot be considered "primarily for farming" if other commercial enterprises fundamentally alter the land's agricultural use. This directly affects farmers who diversify their operations but maintain farming as their main activity, ensuring they retain eligible tax treatment. The commissioner of agriculture will help determine if land qualifies under this definition.

Maddy summarySB 70 prohibits West Virginia state agencies and their employees or contractors (except law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity) from using or accessing social media platforms, applications, or artificial intelligence tools owned by entities located in "foreign countries of concern" (nations designated by U.S. regulations as adversaries). The bill bans downloading, using, or accessing such foreign-owned software on state-owned or leased internet-capable devices, including social media platforms owned by entities in designated adversary nations. It includes a waiver process allowing the Secretary of State to grant exceptions for specific job duties. The law aims to protect state government systems, citizen data, and access to government services from potential cyberattacks or surveillance by foreign entities.

Maddy summarySB 748 requires West Virginia public schools to notify a minor's parent or guardian before dispensing any FDA-approved contraceptive (such as birth control pills or devices) to a minor. This bill directly affects public school health services and minors aged 18 or younger who receive contraceptives at school. The key provision mandates written parental notification prior to dispensing, with "contraceptive" defined as any drug or device approved by the FDA to prevent pregnancy. The bill does not alter access to contraceptives but adds a parental notification step for school-based dispensing. (Introduced February 5, 2026; referred to Health and Human Resources Committee).

Maddy summarySB 758 would provide extra state funding to West Virginia school districts for students enrolled in schools designated as "extremely remote" under the bill. It prohibits county school boards from closing such schools during the fiscal year they receive the additional aid and requires submission of specific documentation and reporting. The bill also allows waivers for certain documentation requirements. These provisions aim to support remote schools by ensuring stable funding and operational continuity.

Maddy summarySB 779 creates a two-year pilot program exempting specific county boards of education from certain child-care licensure requirements. It allows counties operating childcare centers for their own school personnel to participate if they apply and prove financial capability; the State Superintendent will select the first two qualifying counties. The pilot requires participating counties to run childcare centers meeting fire/health codes and staff background checks, with a report to the Legislative Oversight Commission after two years assessing whether permanent exemption for all counties is feasible. This bill directly affects county school boards seeking to manage on-site childcare for employees, not general childcare providers. The exemption applies only during the two-year pilot period and does not change current licensure rules for other child-care facilities.