Sen. Anne Charnock

Maddy summarySenate Bill 475 establishes rules for West Virginia state agencies regulating "chemicals of emerging concern" (like PFAS, microplastics, and nanomaterials). It prevents state rules from being stricter than existing federal standards for these chemicals, and requires any new state rules (where no federal standard exists) to be based on "best available science" and "weight of scientific evidence." The bill defines key terms like "best available science" to ensure regulations rely on reliable, peer-reviewed studies showing a direct link between chemical exposure and actual health harm. This directly affects state environmental and health agencies responsible for setting limits on water quality, air pollution, and hazardous materials.

Maddy summarySB 128, the West Virginia Workplace Security Act, prohibits mass picketing that blocks workplace entrances, obstructs public roads, or targets private residences, and makes it unlawful to hinder lawful work through threats or force. Employers can seek court orders to stop such activities without proving immediate harm, and violators face daily fines of $1,000 for individuals or $10,000 for unions/organizations that continue after a court order. Fines collected must compensate affected employers for business losses, property damage, or lost opportunities. The law applies to all workplaces and public access points but excludes constitutionally protected picketing.

Maddy summarySJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces from property taxes on their primary residence and personal property in West Virginia. It would amend Article X, Section 1b of the state constitution to expand the existing homestead exemption - currently limited to seniors or disabled residents - to include veterans who are owners and residents of their primary home. The amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election to take effect. If passed, it would directly affect eligible veterans by eliminating property tax on their primary residence and personal property. This is a constitutional change, not a new law, and does not specify new administrative mechanisms or fiscal impacts beyond the tax exemption.

Maddy summarySB 942 modifies state regulations governing diesel-powered equipment used in mining operations. It directly affects mining companies and operators who use such equipment at mine sites. The bill changes specific requirements related to emissions standards, maintenance, or equipment specifications for diesel machinery in mines (though the exact technical modifications are not detailed in the provided context). The legislation was enacted into law as Chapter 182 of the 2025 Regular Session Acts on April 25, 2025. Without additional bill text, the precise nature of the "modifications" cannot be specified.

Maddy summarySB 561 enacts uniform rules for "special deposits" - funds held in restricted accounts for specific purposes, such as escrow or client funds. It standardizes procedures for managing, releasing, and reporting these deposits across financial institutions and state agencies. The law directly affects banks, credit unions, and government entities handling such accounts. Signed into law by the governor on April 30, 2025, it became effective on August 8, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 941 clarifies which state agency has authority over dams designed by the U.S. Conservation Service (likely a reference to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). It directly affects state agencies responsible for dam oversight and maintenance. The bill specifies that the state dam safety agency, not the U.S. Conservation Service, holds primary authority for these dams. This eliminates ambiguity in existing regulations without creating new requirements or changing dam management practices. The bill became law on April 28, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 50 is a non-binding request to the federal government to study and implement waterway restoration projects in West Virginia. The resolution specifically asks federal agencies to evaluate and act on debris removal, river bed stabilization, and restoration of natural water flow patterns to address existing flooding damage and prevent future flooding. It was prompted by historic flooding in West Virginia during winter and spring 2025, which left streams and rivers filled with debris that continues to damage property and infrastructure. The resolution requests federal action to mitigate these issues and reduce future recovery costs. This resolution is addressed to President Donald J. Trump and Elon Musk, in his alleged capacity as a special government employee.

Maddy summarySCR 27 is a request for the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study West Virginia's alcohol sales regulations. The bill asks the committee to examine current rules (many dating to the 1930s) that govern alcohol sales, distribution, and consumption. The study will assess whether these regulations are efficient, modern, and effective, considering input from businesses, consumers, health professionals, and law enforcement. The committee must report its findings and recommendations to the 2026 legislative session.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 26 directs the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study smoke shops in West Virginia, focusing on products they sell, health risks, and sales to minors. The resolution specifically asks the committee to examine both legal and illegal tobacco, nicotine, CBD, kratom, and cannabis products, including their compliance with federal safety guidelines. The committee will assess how illegal products enter the state and their sources, with a report due to the 2026 legislative session. This study aims to inform potential regulatory changes regarding these products without proposing new laws. The resolution does not make policy changes but requests a comprehensive examination to address safety concerns.

Maddy summarySB 940 amends West Virginia's Water Pollution Control Act (§22-11-8(d)) to prevent local governments (political subdivisions) from imposing water pollution standards stricter than federal or state rules when administering permits under state delegation. It directly affects cities, counties, and other local entities that issue water pollution permits. The bill prohibits local ordinances from being more stringent than existing federal or state regulations, with limited exceptions specified in the law. This change ensures uniformity in pollution control standards across the state by preventing local governments from creating additional requirements.