Sen. Patricia Rucker

Maddy summarySB 379 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources to implement specific rules governing wildlife rehabilitation facilities. The bill approves a modified rule (previously filed and revised to address committee feedback) that sets standards for facilities caring for injured or orphaned wildlife. This directly affects wildlife rehabilitation centers operating in the state by requiring compliance with these standardized procedures. The rule, referenced as "58 CSR 21," focuses on operational requirements rather than creating new policies. This is a procedural bill to formally adopt an existing regulatory framework.

Maddy summarySB 378 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources to establish and implement a specific regulatory rule (58 CSR 14) governing small arms hunting. The bill formally approves a rule that was previously proposed and filed in the State Register on July 25, 2025, under existing legal authority. This procedural bill does not change hunting rules itself but gives official authorization for the Division to enforce the existing proposed regulation. It directly affects the Division of Natural Resources (as the rulemaker) and indirectly affects hunters who must comply with the finalized rule.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's Office of Miners' Health, Safety, and Training to implement a specific rule (56 CSR 08) governing how coal mining operations must submit and get approval for their comprehensive Mine Safety Programs. It directly affects coal mining companies in West Virginia by requiring them to follow this standardized process for safety program submissions. The key mechanism is formalizing an existing rule that was filed with the State Register in September 2024, ensuring it has legislative backing for enforcement. The bill does not create new safety standards but establishes the procedural framework for program approval.

Maddy summarySB 382 authorizes the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to implement a rule that outlines prohibitions for hunting and trapping activities. This rule, previously filed in the State Register on July 25, 2025, would establish specific restrictions affecting hunters and trappers statewide. The bill does not create new prohibitions but formally authorizes an existing rule to take effect under state law. It is a procedural measure to ensure the rule is legally enforceable.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources to implement an existing rule (58 CSR 56) governing special migratory game bird hunting. It does not create new hunting regulations but formally approves a rule previously filed in the State Register on March 31, 2025. The rule directly affects hunters participating in special migratory game bird seasons by establishing specific hunting guidelines under state law. The bill serves as procedural authorization for the Division's existing rule, requiring no new policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 546 establishes requirements for clothing and necessity allowances for children in foster care in West Virginia. It mandates that placement providers (foster parents, kinship caregivers, or residential providers) assess each child’s wardrobe and approved necessities (non-clothing items like hygiene products) at initial placement. If lacking, providers must obtain an initial allowance of at least $375 for immediate clothing and essentials, or supplementary allowances up to $175 for extraordinary needs like illness or damaged items. Payment options include a reloadable card (issued within 48 hours), a case worker’s purchasing card, or reimbursement (last resort), with requirements to maintain an inventory tracking the child’s items throughout all placements. The bill directly affects foster children, their caregivers, and the Department of Human Services.

Maddy summarySB 383 authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources to implement a specific rule (58 CSR 50) governing deer hunting regulations. The bill formally approves a rule the Division had already proposed and filed in the State Register on March 31, 2025. This procedural authorization affects deer hunters in West Virginia by allowing the Division to enforce the established rule without needing new legislative action. The bill itself does not change hunting rules but confirms the Division's authority to enforce the existing rule.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources to implement a previously filed rule (58 CSR 46) that defines key terms used in hunting and trapping regulations. It does not create new hunting rules but formally approves an existing administrative rule for public use. The rule directly affects hunters, trappers, and wildlife management by clarifying terminology in existing laws. This procedural bill has no new policy changes - it simply confirms the Division's authority to use the defined terms in their regulations.

Maddy summarySB 605 would provide a tax credit to West Virginia resident parents or legal guardians who homeschool or enroll their children in private schools meeting state education standards. The credit equals the amount a student eligible for the HOPE Scholarship would receive, covering kindergarten through 12th grade. Families already receiving the HOPE Scholarship are excluded from this credit. The State Tax Commissioner will establish rules for claiming the credit, but the State Board of Education cannot impose additional regulations on homeschooled children.

Maddy summarySB 609 would exempt West Virginia higher education students at colleges, universities, and vocational schools from mandatory vaccination requirements. Students aged 18+ or their parents/guardians could request exemption by submitting a signed statement objecting to immunizations based on sincerely held religious beliefs. The bill creates a new religious exemption pathway for student vaccinations, replacing current policies requiring all students to comply with school immunization rules. This change applies specifically to higher education institutions and does not affect other vaccination requirements.