Sen. Patricia Rucker

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 3) creates a Select Committee on Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health for the Eighty-Seventh Legislature. The committee, appointed by the Senate Presiding Officer (up to 17 members), will gather information on prevention, treatment, research, policies, access to care, and funding related to substance use disorders and mental health. It may meet during legislative interims and has jurisdiction over related legislative proposals, operating under Senate committee rules. This is a procedural resolution establishing a committee, not a law changing policy.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 583, titled the "West Virginia-Powered Data Center Incentive Act," provides property tax exemptions for new data centers meeting specific eligibility criteria and a tax credit for coal-fired electric utilities supplying them. Data centers must apply for these incentives and maintain compliance to continue receiving benefits. The bill aims to attract data center investments to West Virginia, which the state expects will create jobs and boost economic growth while supporting coal-powered electricity infrastructure. It establishes clear application processes, eligibility rules, and compliance requirements for both data centers and utilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts home producers from most state food regulations for selling nonpotentially hazardous foods (like baked goods, jams, or non-alcoholic beverages) directly to consumers. It applies to individuals producing these items at their residential property, excluding dairy, meat, poultry, or alcoholic products. Producers must sell directly to consumers (not through retailers), deliver items to consumers, and provide required notices about the food's origin. The exemption covers licensing, permitting, inspection, packaging, and labeling requirements for these specific foods, while potentially hazardous foods (like dairy) still require department permits and oversight.

Maddy summarySJR 11 proposes a constitutional amendment to West Virginia's Constitution that would change term limits for county sheriffs. Currently, a sheriff who serves two consecutive terms becomes ineligible for the next term. The amendment would specifically allow a person appointed to fill a sheriff's term with less than two years remaining to run for two consecutive terms after their appointment. This change would apply only to those appointed to finish terms with less than two years left, while maintaining the general rule for elected sheriffs. The amendment would require voter approval in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 9) recognizes Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and their essential role in advocating for children involved in abuse and neglect proceedings. It acknowledges that in 2024, CASA volunteers represented over 3,500 West Virginia children through community-based programs funded by local contributions. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to forward a copy to the West Virginia CASA Association as a symbolic gesture of support for these volunteers.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 11 recognizes Cottage Hill Farm in Grant County, West Virginia, as the state's outstanding family-owned Hereford cattle farm for 2024. This ceremonial resolution highlights the farm's conservation practices, community involvement, and environmental stewardship efforts, including its work on water quality protection and Chesapeake Bay watershed initiatives. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of the farm's achievements and contributions to agriculture in West Virginia.

Maddy summarySB 560 allows West Virginia counties and municipalities to adopt local ordinances restricting where utility-scale renewable energy facilities (defined as wind or solar projects ≥5 megawatts sold to the grid) can be built. These local rules can limit facility locations, set setbacks from homes and schools, restrict facility size/height, require environmental mitigation, and mandate land restoration after decommissioning. The bill explicitly states these local restrictions do not override federal or state requirements. It directly affects renewable energy developers seeking to build large-scale projects in rural areas, while counties and towns gain new authority to address community concerns like property values, farmland impacts, and scenic views.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 549 creates a state tax deduction for West Virginia residents who receive and report tips to their employers. It allows tipped workers to deduct qualified tips (cash, card, or check payments received in employment) from their taxable income, effectively eliminating state income tax on those earnings. The deduction applies only to tips not already deductible for federal tax purposes and is available regardless of the tax return form filed. The provision takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 286 grants parents and legal guardians direct access to their minor child's health records without requiring the child's permission, except in four specific cases: the child has graduated high school, is emancipated, married, or if a criminal case for child abuse is pending against the parent. The bill removes the need for healthcare providers to obtain a minor's authorization for parents to access records, aligning with existing HIPAA guidelines. It also ensures managed care organizations, child placing agencies, and temporary custodians can access a child's medical records. This change applies to all healthcare providers and child welfare entities in West Virginia, streamlining access while maintaining clear exceptions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 7) formally recognizes the 153rd anniversary of Glenville State University. It expresses the Senate's appreciation for the university's historical contributions to teacher education and its current role in providing diverse academic programs (including business, health sciences, and criminal justice) that support West Virginia's educational and economic vitality. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy to the university president. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or funding.