Sen. Patricia Rucker

Maddy summarySB 371 authorizes the West Virginia Secretary of State to issue a rule governing loan and grant programs under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). This rule will specifically define how HAVA funds can be used for purchasing voting equipment, election systems, software, services, and upgrades. The bill does not change funding levels or eligibility but formalizes administrative procedures for these programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's Insurance Commissioner to implement an existing rule (filed April 16, 2025) governing insurance adjusters. It specifically approves the rule titled "Insurance Adjusters, 114 CSR 25" for formal adoption. The rule directly affects insurance adjusters by establishing licensing requirements and operational standards they must follow. This is a procedural authorization, not a new policy, as it approves a rule already developed by the Commissioner.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's Racing Commission to implement a specific rule about advance deposit account wagering (ADA), which allows bettors to place wagers using funds pre-deposited into a dedicated account. It directly affects racetracks, betting operators, and customers using ADA systems by establishing regulatory standards for these accounts. The bill does not create new policy but formally approves an existing rule (178 CSR 10) that was previously filed with the State Register. This is a procedural measure to finalize the Commission's regulatory authority over ADA wagering.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires medical professionals who administer vaccines to report all adverse effects and injuries to West Virginia's Bureau for Public Health. It mandates that providers receive annual educational materials about vaccine side effects and complete formal training every five years. The bill also creates a public reporting mechanism for individuals (including parents) to submit vaccine-related concerns directly to the Bureau. The Bureau must then compile an annual report for the West Virginia Legislature on these reported cases. The policy directly affects healthcare providers and patients receiving vaccines statewide.

Maddy summarySB 417, the Proxy Advisor Transparency Act, requires proxy advisors (firms advising shareholders on voting) to disclose whether they conducted financial analysis before recommending votes on shareholder proposals. It mandates that these advisors inform clients if their voting recommendations - such as those on environmental, social, or governance (ESG) issues - were based on financial analysis affecting shareholder value. The bill also requires advisors to notify companies when they recommend votes against management, allowing companies to provide additional context to shareholders. This applies to all proxy advisors serving West Virginia-based companies or entities with significant ties to the state. The law aims to ensure investors receive clear disclosures about how voting recommendations align with financial interests.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes West Virginia's Insurance Commissioner to implement a specific rule (114 CSR 64) regarding mental health parity. It formally incorporates an existing rule, filed April 16, 2025, into state law under §64-7-1 of the Code. The rule requires health insurance plans to cover mental health services at the same level as physical health care, directly affecting insurance companies and policyholders in West Virginia. The bill itself does not change the coverage requirements but legally authorizes the Commissioner to enforce the existing parity rule.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 321 amends an existing West Virginia rule (142 CSR 04) to authorize the Attorney General to issue regulations on fair treatment for crime victims and witnesses. The bill adds a sunset provision requiring the rule to automatically expire on August 1, 2036, with no further legal effect after that date. This change directly affects crime victims and witnesses in West Virginia by establishing a fixed end date for the current regulatory framework governing their treatment. The bill does not create new policies but updates the existing rule’s termination timeline.

Maddy summarySB 407 allows homeowners' associations and similar entities to upgrade orphan roads at their own expense to qualify for inclusion in the state road system. To qualify, these roads must secure necessary rights-of-way - either through property owner dedication or by the entity donating funds to the state road fund for acquisition. The West Virginia Division of Highways can then accept the upgraded road for maintenance if it meets state standards. This bill directly affects groups maintaining orphan roads, defined as public roads not maintained by any government agency and without a responsible private owner.

Maddy summarySB 363 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy to implement its existing proposed rule (15 CSR 15) governing pharmacy permits. This procedural bill does not change permit requirements but formally approves the Board’s rule, which was modified after legislative committee feedback and refiled in 2025. The rule directly affects pharmacies seeking or renewing permits by establishing specific administrative standards. It is a technical authorization to finalize the Board’s rulemaking process, not a policy change to permit rules themselves.

Maddy summarySB 315 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Agriculture to implement a revised rule (61 CSR 11H) governing licensing requirements for livestock dealers. This procedural bill formally approves a rule that was previously modified after committee feedback and refilled in the State Register, without changing the rule's substance. It directly affects livestock dealers who must comply with the licensing standards outlined in the authorized rule.