Sen. Patricia Rucker

Maddy summarySB 778 amends West Virginia law to allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants, alongside physicians, to certify students with disabilities as eligible for homebound educational services. This change directly affects families of exceptional children who require homebound instruction due to injury or health conditions. The key provision removes the previous restriction requiring certification only by physicians, expanding who can authorize this service. The bill aims to streamline access to homebound education by broadening the pool of qualified medical professionals who can make this determination.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 6, 2026, as Girl Scouts Day at the West Virginia Legislature to recognize the organization's 114th anniversary and its role in fostering leadership and civic engagement among girls. The measure formally commends the Girl Scout Movement and the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council for providing a safe, inclusive space where girls can develop skills in STEM, public service, and community impact. Additionally, the resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy of the document to the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council as an official acknowledgment of their work.

Maddy summarySB 745 prohibits specific food additives in West Virginia school meals, banning dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 starting August 1, 2025, and additional preservatives like BHT and artificial sweeteners starting August 1, 2027. It limits added sugars to no more than 5% of daily calories and requires a minimum fiber-to-carbohydrate ratio of 1 gram of fiber per 10 grams of carbs in school meals. Schools must post full ingredient lists for all breakfast and lunch menu items online. The bill directly affects all West Virginia public schools operating nutrition programs, aiming to improve meal nutritional standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new felony offense for indecent exposure committed in front of minors and requires individuals convicted of this crime to register as sex offenders. The legislation defines indecent exposure as exposing one's nude penis, vagina, or anus and includes undressing in opposite-sex locker rooms as a violation while removing exemptions for breastfeeding. Penalties increase with repeat offenses, and the new crime counts as a qualifying offense for recidivist sentencing enhancements. The bill also clarifies that registration requirements apply retroactively to past convictions involving these offenses.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 956 removes requirements that physician assistants (PAs) in West Virginia must work under direct physician supervision or collaboration. It allows PAs to own medical businesses, practice independently without mandated supervision, and be held to the same standard of care as other licensed healthcare providers. The bill amends specific sections of West Virginia law (§30-3-14, §30-3-15, §31B-13-1301) and adds a new section (§30-3E-21) to formalize these changes, including classifying PAs as a "professional service" under business law. This directly affects PAs by expanding their scope of practice and business ownership opportunities.

Maddy summarySB 715 requires West Virginia state agencies and appointing authorities to give first consideration to U.S. military veterans and retired or disabled law enforcement officers during the hiring process for state positions. The bill amends the state's civil service law (§29-6-7) to mandate that these candidates be prioritized in the initial review of job applicants. This policy change applies to all state agency hiring decisions, meaning these groups will be evaluated before others in the selection process. The bill does not guarantee employment but ensures these applicants receive preferential treatment during the early stages of hiring.

Maddy summarySB 1065 consolidates over 20 alcohol-related licenses into streamlined categories, eliminating fees for brewpubs, grocery store curbside sales, and private venues like restaurants and hotels. It removes outdated requirements (e.g., two-year operational periods for clubs) and allows distilleries to self-distribute liquor within market zones without extra fees. The bill replaces obsolete licenses - such as private golf clubs, wedding venues, and hotel bars - with a new "private venue" license covering restaurants, spas, bed-and-breakfasts, and event spaces. Key changes include eliminating nonintoxicating beer growler fees and permitting limited free sampling for retailers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires vape and smoke shops in West Virginia to obtain a state license before operating. It directly affects businesses that sell vaping products, tobacco, and related accessories, defining "vape or smoke shop" as establishments devoting at least 33% of floor space to these products. Key provisions include banning shops from operating as residences, prohibiting the sale of certain vapor products, and imposing fines up to $10,000 or jail time for unlicensed operation. The law establishes licensing fees, enforcement by the Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner, and reporting requirements for compliance.

Maddy summarySJR 11 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase West Virginia's homestead exemption from $20,000 to $25,000 for qualifying homeowners. It would exempt the first $25,000 of assessed value on primary residences owned by residents aged 65+ or permanently disabled. The amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election to take effect. This change would directly affect eligible homeowners by reducing their property tax burden on their primary residence. The bill is a constitutional proposal, not an immediate law, and must be ratified by voters.

Maddy summarySJR 8 proposes a constitutional amendment to West Virginia's Constitution (Article IX, Section 3) regarding sheriff term limits. It modifies the rule that prevents someone from serving two consecutive terms as sheriff by adding an exception: if a sheriff is appointed to fill a term with less than two years remaining, they would be eligible to run for two consecutive full terms afterward. This directly affects county sheriffs in West Virginia who are appointed to finish short remaining terms. The amendment, titled the "Sheriff's Succession Amendment," requires voter approval at the 2026 general election to take effect.