Sen. Patricia Rucker

Maddy summarySB 306 authorizes West Virginia's Tax Department to enforce an existing rule governing the soft drinks tax, specifically referencing the rule filed on July 25, 2025 (Soft Drinks Tax, 110 CSR 19). This procedural bill does not change tax rates or policies but formally permits the department to implement the previously authorized rule. It directly affects the Tax Department, which will administer the rule, and businesses selling soft drinks subject to the tax. The bill simply confirms the department’s authority to enforce the existing soft drinks tax regulation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 294) authorizes West Virginia's Insurance Commissioner to implement a specific regulatory rule regarding "credit for reinsurance" (referenced as 114 CSR 40 in the State Register). It formally approves a rule previously modified to address legislative committee objections, allowing the Commissioner to apply it without further approval. The rule directly affects insurance companies operating in West Virginia that use reinsurance arrangements. This is a procedural authorization, not a substantive policy change, as it enables the existing rule to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 326 authorizes the West Virginia Board of Architects to implement a specific rule governing fees for architect registration. The bill formally approves a rule the board developed (initially filed July 2025, revised October 2025) that sets registration fees. This rule directly affects architects seeking initial registration or renewal in West Virginia. The bill itself does not set specific fee amounts but legally permits the Board to use the approved fee structure.

Maddy summarySB 408 prohibits state laws from requiring anyone to receive or use a medical product, such as vaccines or treatments. It also bans penalties or denial of benefits (like healthcare access or services) for refusing a medical product or refusing to disclose whether one has been used. This bill directly affects all West Virginia residents subject to state health regulations regarding medical products. The law amends West Virginia Code §16-3-1 to ensure individual choice in medical care without state coercion or punitive consequences. It applies to all medical products covered under state health laws, including those related to infectious disease prevention.

Maddy summarySB 416 bans political subdivisions (like cities, counties, and school districts) from using public funds to pay for lobbying activities starting July 1, 2026. It requires these entities to disclose lobbying contracts, costs, and related details to the West Virginia Ethics Commission and exempts law enforcement officers from the ban. Taxpayers or residents can sue to stop prohibited lobbying and recover attorney fees if they win the case. The law aims to prevent public money from being used to influence legislation by local governments.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 3) recognizes the need to strengthen U.S. medical supply chains by reducing dependence on China for essential medicines and prioritizing trade with trusted partners like Australia, the EU, Japan, Switzerland, and the UK. It calls on the President to explore policies that decrease reliance on China, preserve tariff-free access to medicines from these partners, and avoid imposing tariffs under Section 232. The resolution specifically urges negotiating bilateral agreements with these countries and maintaining their reciprocal tariff-free treatment. As a non-binding resolution, it directs the President and relevant agencies (Commerce, Trade Representative, National Security Council) to consider these actions but does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 62 recognizes the West Virginia Agriculture Commissioner's constitutional authority to override state or local regulations that negatively impact agritourism activities (like farm tours, harvest festivals, or educational events). It allows the Commissioner to intervene when conflicting rules or policies hinder agritourism, except for fire safety codes under the State Fire Code, which must still be followed with input from fire marshals. The Commissioner must annually report to the Legislature any instances where this authority was exercised. This bill directly affects agritourism businesses and local governments by clarifying the Commissioner’s role in resolving regulatory conflicts.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 41, the "Standardized Testing Choice Act," permits students in public schools to take the Classical Learning Test (CLT) as an alternative to the ACT or SAT for college admissions and financial aid. Public colleges must accept CLT scores for admissions, and students need a minimum equivalent score of 19 (ACT scale) on the CLT or other tests to qualify for financial aid. The bill requires public school districts to offer the CLT, ACT, or SAT to students in grades 9-12 and the CLT10, Pre-ACT, or PSAT to students in grades 9-10, with districts eligible for reimbursement of related costs. This policy directly affects high school students, public colleges, and school districts across West Virginia.

Maddy summarySB 58 adds formal grievance and appeal processes for individuals participating in West Virginia's DMV Safety and Treatment Program, which helps drivers with license suspensions related to DUI offenses. It prohibits the DMV from requiring minimum driving time, mileage, or frequency in the Alcohol and Drug Test and Lock Program, and stops removing participants for failing these requirements. The bill also mandates that the DMV reinstate former program participants who meet specific criteria - without charging them fees - after they complete required treatment. This directly affects drivers whose licenses were suspended for alcohol/drug-related offenses and who are enrolled in the state's treatment program.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 153 requires background checks for all staff and volunteers at drop-in child care services that provide brief care while parents are shopping, attending religious services, or engaged in other non-employment activities (with parents present or easily accessible). This applies specifically to business facilities offering such services, excluding exemptions like public schools, family day care for relatives, summer camps, hospitals, and certain out-of-school programs. The bill mandates these checks to align safety standards with licensed child care centers. It does not affect existing licensed facilities or the exempted programs listed in the bill.