Sen. Charles Clements

Maddy summarySB 853 clarifies registration requirements for individuals and organizations bidding at public auctions of tax-abandoned land held by West Virginia's State Auditor. It requires bidders to register in advance with the Auditor's office or submit a notarized affidavit on the auction day, and prohibits registration for those with past payment defaults, delinquent property taxes, repeated code enforcement violations, or unresolved legal disputes related to property ownership. The bill specifically allows 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on housing or public facilities to bid at auctions, provided their bid is no more than 5% lower than the highest non-nonprofit bid. This affects anyone seeking to purchase tax-foreclosed land through county auctions, ensuring bidders meet specific eligibility criteria before participating.

Maddy summarySB 298 establishes new rules for "roadable aircraft" (vehicles that operate as both cars and aircraft) in West Virginia. It requires special registration plates with an annual fee, classifies them as motor vehicles for traffic laws and taxation (but excludes them from property tax adjustments), and prohibits takeoffs/landings on highways except in emergencies. The bill exempts operators from motorcycle licensing/exams and helmet requirements if riding in a fully enclosed vehicle, while also removing vehicle inspection requirements under specific conditions. These provisions directly affect roadable aircraft owners, the Division of Motor Vehicles (which manages registration), and highway safety regulations.

Maddy summarySB 532 clarifies that ad valorem taxes on property must be paid to the county where the property itself is located, not the county where a well's physical location (well seat) is situated. This directly affects property owners and local governments in counties where wells are drilled in one county but draw from property in another. The bill mandates that tax payments follow the property's location, resolving potential confusion about jurisdiction. It does not change tax rates or create new obligations, only specifies the correct county for tax remittance. This is a procedural clarification under West Virginia's property tax rules.

Maddy summarySB 740, the Stop Squatters Act, establishes a new process for property owners to quickly remove unauthorized occupants (squatters) from residential or commercial properties. It allows owners or their agents to request immediate police removal if conditions are met (e.g., occupant isn’t a tenant/family member, owner previously demanded they leave, and no court case is pending). The bill also creates criminal penalties: misdemeanors for damaging property under $1,000 during unlawful occupation, felonies for greater damage, and felonies for falsely listing property for sale/rent without legal title. Property owners must submit a verified complaint, and the law includes a civil remedy if removal is wrongful.

Maddy summarySB 552 modifies West Virginia's Certified Business Expansion Development Program by removing specific requirements for designated "high impact business development districts." It eliminates the need for renewable energy generation in these districts, removes restrictions on district locations (including land previously used for coal mining), and removes acreage limits. The bill also clarifies that regulated utility customers won't bear costs for utilities within certified districts. This change primarily affects businesses seeking to locate or expand new industrial facilities in designated districts by simplifying program eligibility and operational rules.

Maddy summarySB 720 requires oil and gas operators to file a detailed "Declaration of Pooled Unit" with the county clerk within 60 days of a drilling permit being issued. The declaration must include specific information about the unit's boundaries, well locations, and lease details for every parcel of land included in the unit. If a wellbore crosses unit boundaries, operators must file an additional declaration with more detailed data about the affected wells and production allocation. Lessor and royalty owners can request acreage calculation details from operators and may take legal action if operators fail to comply with these filing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 5, 2025, as "West Virginia University Day" at the West Virginia Legislature. It recognizes West Virginia University as the state's first land-grant institution and highlights its academic programs, extension services, and youth initiatives like 4-H. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy to the university president and Extension office. As a ceremonial resolution with no funding or policy changes, it serves only to honor the university's role in West Virginia.

Maddy summarySB 696 establishes a program allowing cameras to enforce speed limits in active work zones on West Virginia public highways. The bill authorizes the Division of Highways to set speed limits for these zones and permits camera systems as an exception to the general ban on photo enforcement devices. It sets specific conditions for camera use, including operational restrictions and requirements for lawful deployment. The program applies only to active work zones where road construction or maintenance is ongoing, not to general roadways.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 3, 2025, as "Future Farmers of America Day" at the West Virginia Legislature. It commemorates the history and ongoing work of the National FFA Organization, which supports agricultural education for students across West Virginia (serving 6,968 members in 91 programs). The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, recognizing FFA's role in developing leadership and agricultural skills since its founding in 1928. It does not change laws or affect any specific groups beyond acknowledging FFA's contributions.

Maddy summarySB 5 establishes West Virginia's Adopt-A-Road program, allowing individuals, groups, counties, or municipalities to volunteer for road maintenance projects under the Division of Highways. Participants must apply online, sign an agreement, and follow safety rules - covering tasks like litter cleanup, pothole repairs, or trail maintenance - while the state may provide up to 30% of project costs (or 100% for litter control using a specific fund). The program requires participants to cover signage costs and indemnify the state against liability from their work. It mirrors existing Adopt-A-Highway programs but expands participation to broader road infrastructure maintenance.