Sen. Patricia Rucker

Maddy summarySB 525 establishes a two-county pilot program starting October 1, 2026, requiring child protective services (CPS) workers to use mobile devices (like tablets) during child abuse and neglect investigations. The bill mandates that devices must create real-time digital records, securely upload data daily, work with existing systems, and be used in at least 70% of cases in the pilot counties. The Department of Health and Human Resources must analyze monthly quality metrics and submit annual reports to the legislature on the program’s progress. This directly affects CPS workers in the two participating counties and the state department managing child welfare investigations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special revenue account within West Virginia's Department of Human Services to reduce out-of-state residential placements for children in state care. It establishes a Commission with representatives from child welfare, behavioral health, juvenile justice, education, and court systems to study current placement practices and develop strategies to expand in-state treatment capacity. Key provisions require the Commission to report annually with an implementation plan targeting a 50% reduction in out-of-state placements within three years, while promoting collaboration between agencies through joint funding proposals and improved access to in-state facility data. The bill directly affects children in foster care or juvenile justice systems, their families, and state agencies responsible for their care.

Maddy summarySB 491, the West Virginia Volunteer State Guard Act, creates a new state military force separate from the West Virginia National Guard. It establishes a maximum of 400 eligible members who must be West Virginia residents and U.S. citizens with no felony convictions, excluding active military or National Guard members. The Guard can only be activated by the Governor during state emergencies or when the National Guard is in federal service, and must provide training equivalent to the National Guard. The Adjutant General will manage recruitment, training, and equipment, with all members operating exclusively within West Virginia under the Governor's command.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 475 establishes rules for West Virginia state agencies regulating "chemicals of emerging concern" (like PFAS, microplastics, and nanomaterials). It prevents state rules from being stricter than existing federal standards for these chemicals, and requires any new state rules (where no federal standard exists) to be based on "best available science" and "weight of scientific evidence." The bill defines key terms like "best available science" to ensure regulations rely on reliable, peer-reviewed studies showing a direct link between chemical exposure and actual health harm. This directly affects state environmental and health agencies responsible for setting limits on water quality, air pollution, and hazardous materials.

Maddy summarySB 489 creates a new course-specific teaching permit allowing certified West Virginia high school educators to teach high-quality courses outside their formally endorsed subject area. Eligible educators - including those with alternative certifications, conditional licenses, or relevant degrees - can earn this permanent permit by completing 30+ hours of approved professional learning tied directly to a specific course. Approved professional learning must be provided by designated non-profit organizations and cover both course content and teaching methods, verified by a certificate. School districts can then assign educators with these permits to fill specialized teaching needs, such as career-technical or college-aligned courses developed with colleges or industry partners. This system aims to increase flexibility in staffing without requiring full certification changes.

Maddy summarySB 476, the "Selecting Neutral Accreditors Act," requires West Virginia public universities to stop using accreditors that mandate or consider Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives as part of accreditation. It directs each university's governing board to review its accreditor by July 1, 2026, and switch to an accreditor that does not require DEI practices (e.g., DEI training, courses, or metrics) within the past five years. If no such accreditor exists, the university must report this to the legislature. The bill directly affects all public higher education institutions in West Virginia and aims to remove DEI requirements from the accreditation process, which is tied to federal student loan eligibility.

Maddy summarySB 488 creates the West Virginia Council on Competitive Government, composed of state leaders including the Governor, legislative leaders, and agency directors. The Council will identify state agency services that could be provided more efficiently through competition with private companies or other state agencies, requiring agencies to use competitive processes like bidding when appropriate. It must consider all costs - including indirect agency expenses and comparable employee benefits - when evaluating service options, and state agencies must follow its directives. Local governments may voluntarily participate in the Council's contracts, which would satisfy their own competitive purchasing requirements.

Maddy summarySB 503 requires all West Virginia state office buildings and individual agency offices to display the national motto "In God We Trust" in a visible, conspicuous location. The display must be durable, at least 8.5x11 inches, and may include the U.S. flag but no other text or imagery. State funds cannot be used for this display; agencies may only accept private donations. The law, effective July 1, 2026, applies to all state buildings used for official business. It does not change the motto itself but mandates its physical display in specified locations.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows West Virginia pharmacists to dispense Ivermectin for human use under two conditions: through a collaborative agreement with a prescriber or, once the FDA approves it for over-the-counter sale, without a prescription. When dispensing without a prescription, pharmacists must provide an FDA-approved patient information sheet and no consultation is required. The bill also shields pharmacists and healthcare providers from civil, criminal, or disciplinary action when following these provisions in good faith. The OTC dispensing provision will take effect immediately upon FDA approval, while other parts of the bill become effective 90 days after passage.

Maddy summarySB 474, the Truth in Taxation Act, requires West Virginia counties to calculate and publish a "revenue neutral rate" each year - based on prior year revenue and current property values - to prevent unexpected tax increases. Local governments (counties, cities, towns) collecting property taxes must use this rate as a ceiling for new tax rates, unless they hold a public hearing and provide detailed notices to property owners showing how proposed rates differ from the previous year. The bill mandates that notices include specific comparisons (e.g., tax rate changes, appraised values, and estimated taxes under both rates) mailed or emailed to taxpayers at least 10 days before hearings, which must occur by September 15. School districts and very small taxing subdivisions ($5,000 or less in annual property tax revenue) are exempt. This law aims to increase transparency in property tax decisions for local governments and taxpayers.