Sen. Chris Rose

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits West Virginia's Public Service Commission from approving utility rate increases that include costs for intermittent power sources like solar or wind energy. It specifically blocks the Commission from considering construction, operation, maintenance, or decommissioning costs for facilities relying solely on variable energy sources (defined as those dependent on weather and not fully controllable). Existing contracts signed before the law takes effect are exempt, but new expansions or commitments to such projects cannot be included in rate hikes. The bill also requires the Commission to submit an annual report to the Legislature assessing the law's impact on energy rates, reliability, and affordability.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends West Virginia's dog racing licensing rules. It removes requirements that racetrack applicants must host a minimum number of live racing dates to obtain or maintain a license or to secure telecast wagering contracts. The bill also allows racetracks to operate simulcast racing (live races shown via video) without conducting any live dog racing, and simplifies licensing for video lottery operations at these venues. These changes directly affect dog racetracks seeking licenses or renewing operations, particularly those transitioning away from live racing.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 1) requests the West Virginia Division of Highways to rename specific bridges and road segments after military veterans and community members. It directly affects the Division of Highways, which would implement the proposed names for 15+ existing infrastructure locations across 10 counties. The resolution specifies exact locations (e.g., a bridge in Wayne County to be called the "Hercie Maynard Memorial Bridge" or a section of WV Route 10 as the "Purple Heart Trail") without creating new laws or funding. It is purely a naming request, not a policy change, and honors individuals with military service or local significance. The resolution was quickly adopted by both legislative chambers in January 2026.

Maddy summarySB 25 creates the West Virginia Coal Marketing Program and a dedicated state fund to support the coal industry. The program, administered by the Governor, uses registration fees from "Friends of Coal" vehicle plates to fund projects that protect coal markets, assist communities impacted by coal market changes, and educate the public about coal's economic role and modern practices. Key provisions include using funds for promotional campaigns highlighting coal's importance to West Virginia's identity, economy, and energy reliability, as well as addressing challenges in coal-dependent communities. Unspent funds carry over annually, and the Governor must report yearly on funded projects to the legislature. This bill directly affects state government operations, coal industry stakeholders, and communities facing economic shifts due to the coal sector.

Maddy summarySB 424, the Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026, would amend West Virginia law to streamline regulations for coal-based electricity generation and coke production (used in steelmaking) by requiring state agencies to simplify permitting processes. The bill directs the Department of Economic Development to lead efforts in promoting these industries, with the goal of leveraging the state's metallurgical coal resources to boost economic growth. It states that developing these sectors would improve economic opportunities, stabilize electricity prices, and strengthen West Virginia's competitiveness with neighboring states. The legislation aims to address regulatory barriers that have hindered coal-related projects compared to other states.

Maddy summarySB 131 creates a tax credit against West Virginia's severance tax for businesses that make qualifying investments in road/highway infrastructure improvements or coal production/processing facilities. It directly affects coal industry businesses and infrastructure developers in coal-producing regions by allowing them to reduce their severance tax liability. The credit covers costs for labor, materials, and real property improvements tied to certified road projects or coal facilities, with applications required through the Transportation Secretary. Unused credits can be carried forward, and the credit may be transferred to successors. This policy aims to incentivize private investment in infrastructure and coal sector capital projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows county school boards participating in multicounty vocational centers to choose whether to operate career technical education (CTE) programs within local high schools instead of at centralized centers. The programs can be either state-approved (per 20 U.S.C. §2342) or locally created. It gives school boards flexibility to better serve students by bringing CTE programs closer to their home schools, without requiring withdrawal from multicounty centers. The bill does not mandate program relocation but provides a new option for program placement within existing high school structures.

Maddy summarySB 655, the Right to Race Act, grants legal immunity to existing West Virginia racetracks from nuisance lawsuits brought by neighbors who purchased property after the track was built. It protects racetracks from claims related to noise, disturbances, or other issues if the surrounding property was acquired later. The law also prevents local governments from passing ordinances that would restrict racetrack operations conflicting with this immunity. This applies only to racetracks operating before adjacent property ownership changed.

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 Senate resolution designates October 14 as "Charlie Kirk Day" in West Virginia to honor the late conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder (born October 14, 1993), who was fatally shot in 2025 while defending free speech. It encourages annual community observances through educational programs and discussions on free speech and conservative principles, without creating new laws or affecting policy. The resolution was adopted by the West Virginia Senate on January 29, 2026.