Sen. Charles Clements

Maddy summarySB 629 increases payments by 25 percent for therapists and other professionals who provide early intervention services to West Virginia's Birth-to-Three program but are not employed by the state. This change applies to all contracted service providers under the program, effective July 1, 2025. The additional payments will be funded through the existing West Virginia Birth-to-Three Fund, which supports services for children with developmental delays. The bill does not affect salaries of state employees, as it specifically targets non-state agency contractors.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 26, 2025, as Corrections Day at the West Virginia Legislature to honor the work of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation staff. It recognizes their roles in public safety, offender rehabilitation, and facility operations, including recent achievements like 600 cadet graduates in 2024. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy or funding changes - only symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 13) memorializes Wanda Porterfield Casto, a 34-year part-time Senate Secretary/Administrative Assistant who served the West Virginia Senate and dedicated her life to public service. The resolution formally honors her legacy as a wife, mother, grandmother, and public servant, extending the Senate's deepest sympathies to her family following her passing on May 20, 2024. It directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to her family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely to recognize her contributions.

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 summarySB 582 allows current campus police officers at West Virginia state universities to join the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Police Officer Retirement System. It requires all new campus police hires starting January 1, 2026, to participate in this same retirement system. Current officers cannot transfer existing retirement credits or funds into the DNR system. The bill specifically affects campus police officers employed by state institutions, changing their retirement plan options without altering their current benefits or compensation. This policy change is limited to retirement system enrollment, not other employment terms.

Maddy summarySB 559 requires all legal injunctions and lawsuits involving the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) to be filed exclusively in Wood County or Kanawha County courts. This procedural change directly affects anyone filing legal action against WVSSAC, including schools, students, or organizations challenging its decisions. The bill amends existing law to mandate this specific venue for such cases, streamlining legal proceedings. It does not alter WVSSAC's operational rules, eligibility standards, or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summarySB 122 establishes a minimum student enrollment of 1,200 for calculating state school funding in West Virginia. It amends the school aid formula to ensure counties with fewer than 1,200 students still receive funding based on this minimum, rather than their actual enrollment. This directly affects all West Virginia public school districts receiving state aid, preventing smaller counties from being disadvantaged in funding calculations. The bill sets this floor for the "basic foundation program" to maintain consistent support for school districts.

Maddy summarySB 533 clarifies that legal actions involving the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) must be filed in the county where the school is located or in the circuit court of that county. It does not change WVSSAC's operational rules, eligibility criteria for students (such as home-schooled students or Hope Scholarship participants), or fee structures. This is a procedural clarification to specify court jurisdiction for lawsuits related to the commission, without altering existing policies or affecting any stakeholders.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits driving slowly in the left lane of four-lane interstate highways in West Virginia when it blocks normal traffic flow, except when driving safely or following the law. It applies to all drivers on these specific highways (defined as having two lanes in each direction). Violators face fines up to $100 for a first offense and $200 for repeat offenses within a year. Law enforcement will enforce this rule starting July 1, 2025.