Sen. Patricia Rucker

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the dedicated public service of Honorable Charles Houston Clements, a former West Virginia state senator. The bill honors Clements for his legislative career, including his service as Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and his decision not to seek reelection in 2026. It expresses the Senate's appreciation for his commitment to serving West Virginia citizens and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Clements.

Maddy summarySJR 9 proposes amending West Virginia's constitution to require all voters to be U.S. citizens. It would change the voting eligibility rule to state: "Only citizens of the state who are citizens of the United States shall be entitled to vote at all elections." This would affect all voters in West Virginia elections by eliminating current exceptions allowing non-citizen residents to vote in certain local elections. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution from West Virginia opposes the People's Republic of China's interpretation of UN Resolution 2758 and supports Taiwan's participation in international organizations. The bill clarifies that the 1971 UN resolution only addressed which government represents China at the UN, not Taiwan's political status or sovereignty, and criticizes China for using the resolution to justify its "One China" claims. It calls on the UN to stop using Resolution 2758 to deny Taiwan access to UN institutions and events, while reaffirming the U.S. policy of not taking a position on Taiwan's sovereignty and supporting peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues. The resolution also encourages Taiwan's continued engagement in international organizations where statehood is not required and directs the Senate Clerk to send the document to West Virginia's congressional delegation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 13, 2026, as Veterans Visibility Day within the West Virginia Legislature. The measure formally recognizes the service and sacrifice of West Virginia veterans and current military personnel, acknowledging the state's high rate of military service and the contributions of those who have served. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy to the Department of Veterans Assistance, serving as an official gesture of gratitude rather than establishing new policies or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts state funding for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, by moving $8,051.62 from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Tourism. The transferred money will be used to support the Women's Suffragist Monument project under the Division of Culture and History. The legislation expires unused funds from one agency and reallocates them to another without changing the overall budget amount. This is a financial adjustment between state departments rather than a new program or policy initiative.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision and restore the traditional definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman. The resolution does not create new laws or change existing regulations but instead asks the Court to reconsider its prior ruling through a formal request. It calls for marriage-related legal authority to return to state governments and their voters, arguing that the federal court decision overstepped constitutional boundaries. The document is a non-binding expression of legislative sentiment rather than a law that directly affects citizens or alters policy.

Maddy summarySB 773 would require the West Virginia Department of Health to propose rules adding alpha-gal syndrome to the list of diseases that must be reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alpha-gal syndrome causes allergic reactions to red meat and is often triggered by tick bites. If enacted, healthcare providers in West Virginia would be required to report confirmed cases of this condition to the state health department, which would then share the data with the CDC. This change would improve public health tracking of alpha-gal syndrome cases in the state.

Maddy summarySB 805 adds "abortion pill reversal" to West Virginia's Mothers and Babies Pregnancy Support Program, allowing funding for this service through eligible pregnancy help organizations. The bill defines "abortion pill reversal" as using progesterone to counteract the abortion pill (mifepristone) and specifies that only organizations that do not support or perform abortions can receive program funds for this purpose. Abortion industry organizations are explicitly excluded from receiving these funds. This is a procedural change to the existing program's funding eligibility, not a new law restricting abortion access.

Maddy summarySB 928 defines "Low-Proof Spirit Alcohol Products" as beverages containing 0.5% to 15.5% alcohol by volume (not including wine, beer, or nonintoxicating beer), packaged in containers under 25 fluid ounces. It establishes new regulatory requirements for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of these products, including specific sales and distribution rules. The bill also specifies a tax methodology for these products and grants the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Commission authority to create implementing rules. This legislation directly affects businesses producing or selling low-proof alcohol beverages, creating a distinct regulatory category separate from traditional spirits, beer, or wine.

Maddy summarySB 67 amends West Virginia law to update rules for public charter schools. It requires charter schools to charge only fees similar to noncharter public schools (not full tuition), shifts student tracking responsibility to the county school district when a student returns from a charter school, and allows non-certified teachers to proctor state assessments. The bill also permits charter school boards to remove members, lets schools amend applications anytime, and enables partnerships with learning pods/microschools - allowing colleges to establish virtual or campus-based microschools. These changes directly affect charter schools, county school districts, and educators managing student enrollment and staffing.