Sen. Charles Clements

Maddy summaryThis bill amends West Virginia law to update advertising rules for licensed limited video lottery retailers and permittees. It gives the Lottery Commission authority to create advertising rules, requiring all promotional materials to get prior approval from the Lottery Commission Director before being published or released. The bill clarifies that new advertising rules override any previous restrictions on such advertising. It directly affects businesses operating video lottery machines in the state by changing how they can advertise their services. The key change is the mandatory pre-approval process for all advertising content.

Maddy summarySB 760 requires contractors performing residential improvements (like roof or plumbing work) to include a written warranty in all contracts. This warranty must guarantee work meets building codes, uses new materials, and covers specific repairs for at least one year for major systems (foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical, etc.). The bill prohibits contractors from limiting or excluding these warranties or requiring arbitration more than 50 miles from the home, and mandates dispute resolution terms be clearly visible in contracts. It also adds disciplinary actions for contractors violating these requirements, including fines or license suspension. This directly affects homeowners and subsequent purchasers of homes with recent improvements.

Maddy summarySB 736 requires West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue a free temporary identification card to eligible released inmates no earlier than seven days before their release. The card is valid for 180 days and has the same legal standing as a standard DMV ID, enabling released inmates to prove identity, age, and residency when applying for new IDs or driver's licenses. Eligibility excludes inmates who already hold a valid West Virginia ID or driver's license expiring more than 30 days after release, or non-U.S. citizens. The bill also mandates collaboration between Corrections and DMV to verify Social Security numbers for applicants lacking other documentation.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 27) designates February 4, 2026, as "West Virginia University Day" at the West Virginia Capitol. It recognizes West Virginia University (WVU) as the state's flagship land-grant institution, highlighting its educational programs, extension services, and community impact across all 55 counties. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves only as symbolic recognition, directing the Senate Clerk to send a copy to WVU leadership. It was adopted unanimously by voice vote on February 4, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 716 would lower the participation requirement for West Virginia's volunteer firefighter tax credit from 30% to 20% of department activities. This change directly affects volunteer firefighters seeking the tax credit, making it easier to qualify by reducing the minimum activity threshold. The bill amends Section 11-13JJ-4 of the state code to update the participation percentage while keeping other eligibility conditions unchanged. Currently, firefighters must participate in 30% of activities; the bill would require only 20%.

Maddy summarySB 661 clarifies that commercial and industrial property insurance policies in West Virginia can be written for any agreed-upon amount between the insurer and property owner, even if that amount is less than the property's replacement cost. This directly affects commercial property owners and insurers by removing ambiguity about policy limits. The bill specifies that policies may be based on Replacement Cost Value (repair/replacement cost without depreciation), Actual Cost Value (depreciated cost), market value, or any other mutually agreed amount. It amends existing law to explicitly state that insurers are not required to cover full replacement costs, allowing flexibility in policy terms.

Maddy summarySB 660 amends West Virginia's Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) rules to change how spousal health coverage is paid. It removes the requirement for a "spousal surcharge" and instead requires employees to pay for their spouse's coverage based on their own salary and plan tier. This directly affects PEIA-covered state employees who wish to add a spouse to their health plan, particularly when the spouse already has employer-based insurance. The bill specifies that employees must cover the full "actuarial value" of the spouse's coverage (as defined by healthcare actuaries), rather than the previous surcharge model. This change applies to active employees, not retirees or certain other covered groups.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) designating January 28, 2026, as "West Virginia Tourism and History Day" at the legislature. It recognizes tourism and history organizations, businesses, volunteers, and educators for their contributions to West Virginia's economy and cultural heritage. The resolution encourages citizens and visitors to explore the state's historic sites and cultural experiences. It has been adopted by the Senate with a voice vote.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires West Virginia county public school systems to conduct annual surveys of students to assess food access during non-school periods (like summers) and compile local resources for nutritious meals. It directs counties to share this information with students and community food providers, while enabling schools to develop local programs using existing resources (e.g., community partnerships or mentorship). The West Virginia Office of Child Nutrition will facilitate coordination and share successful approaches across counties. The law focuses on enabling local solutions to reduce student food insecurity during school breaks, rather than mandating specific statewide programs.

Maddy summarySB 602 requires repeat DUI offenders in West Virginia to carry a special identification card indicating they are prohibited from purchasing alcohol. The card must feature a prominent red stripe and the words "No Alcohol Sale" on its front. This applies to individuals identified as "interdicted persons" under the law, meaning those legally barred from alcohol sales due to DUI convictions. The bill establishes the card's design, application process, and enforcement mechanisms for businesses to verify compliance. It does not change DUI penalties but creates a new identification requirement for affected individuals.