Sen. Charles Clements

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to change West Virginia's constitution, removing the prohibition on incorporating churches or religious denominations. If approved by voters, it would allow religious groups to form legal entities (incorporate) if they choose, while maintaining existing laws governing church property ownership, sale, and transfer. The amendment specifically revises Article VI, Section 47 of the state constitution to state that "incorporation of religious denominations is permitted" rather than prohibited. It does not create new requirements but clarifies that churches may opt to incorporate under general laws, with no direct impact on existing unincorporated religious organizations.

Maddy summarySJR 8 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring all voters in West Virginia elections to be U.S. citizens. The amendment would add language to the state constitution stating: "Only citizens of the state who are citizens of the United States shall be entitled to vote at all elections." This would codify the existing requirement that voters must be U.S. citizens, which is already enforced under current law. The proposal must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summarySCR 23 is a resolution requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC). The study will examine the commission's mission, effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, accountability, and whether a performance evaluation would be appropriate. The committee must gather input from coaches, parents, and athletes and report findings to the 2026 legislative session. The WVSSAC manages high school sports and activities, funded by ticket sales and corporate sponsors rather than taxpayer money. This resolution follows concerns about the commission's operations that prompted a similar reform bill with over 20 sponsors.

Maddy summarySJR 16 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase West Virginia's homestead property tax exemption from $20,000 to at least $25,000 for qualifying homeowners. The amendment would affect homeowners aged 65 or older, or those who are permanently and totally disabled, who own and occupy their homes as primary residences. If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, it would change the constitutional language governing homestead exemptions while allowing the Legislature to make further modifications to the exemption through regular legislation after January 1, 2027. The amendment is currently pending voter approval as a proposed constitutional change.

Maddy summarySB 690 allows West Virginia county commissions to increase pay for elected county officials - including county commissioners, sheriffs, clerks, assessors, and prosecutors - when property valuations rise significantly, justifying new duties. The bill requires two key steps: county auditors must certify improved fiscal health (including sufficient funds for salary increases and taxes), and officials must submit written requests for higher pay. It bases increases on property valuation changes, noting that higher valuations correlate with expanded responsibilities like public safety and economic development. The law ensures compliance with state constitutional limits on salary adjustments. This affects all counties and directly impacts the compensation of 12 specific elected county roles.

Maddy summarySB 839 requires the West Virginia Division of Labor to propose separate licensing rules for plumbers who work in residential homes versus commercial buildings. The bill amends existing law to mandate distinct standards, examinations, and fees for each work setting, replacing the current unified licensing approach. This change affects how the Division of Labor administers licensing but does not alter the basic requirements for plumbers. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on administrative rule-making rather than changing plumbing work practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers management of Stevens Correctional Center in McDowell County from the county commission to West Virginia's Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR). It clarifies that the state now owns the facility's assets, confirms McDowell County's prior debts related to the center have been paid by the state, and requires county employees to transfer to DCR with retained seniority and leave balances. The bill explicitly states that Stevens Correctional Center is no longer contracted with the county and is now under full state control, alongside other state-operated correctional facilities listed in the law. These changes formalize the state's operational control over the facility without altering its function or capacity.

Maddy summarySB 840 requires mining and energy companies (lessees) in West Virginia to withhold state income tax from royalty payments made to out-of-state owners (nonresident lessors) of mineral rights. The bill mandates that lessees withhold tax equivalent to what the nonresident would owe on these payments, unless annual payments are under $1,000. Withheld funds must be paid to the state tax agency, with nonresidents receiving credits against their own tax liability or refunds for overpayment. This targets a revenue gap identified by the legislature, affecting companies paying royalties to owners living outside West Virginia. The bill is currently in the Senate Finance Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts up to $25,000 of the cash value or death benefit from life insurance policies from asset calculations when determining eligibility for West Virginia Medicaid. It directly affects residents applying for Medicaid who own life insurance policies, allowing them to retain more policy value without losing benefits. The key provision sets a clear $25,000 threshold for exemption, meaning only amounts above this limit would count toward Medicaid asset limits. This change modifies how Medicaid assesses applicants' financial resources, specifically excluding qualifying life insurance assets from the calculation.

Maddy summarySB 843 prohibits individuals listed on West Virginia's state sex offender database from entering public school property or attending school events, including activities involving their own children. It requires parent-teacher conferences involving such individuals to occur off-site via phone or virtual meeting. Violations would be misdemeanors for first offenses (up to six months in jail) and felonies for repeat offenses (one to five years). The bill also authorizes the State Board of Education to create implementing rules.