Sen. Chris Rose

Maddy summarySB 51, titled the "Baby Olivia Act," requires all West Virginia public schools to teach a mandatory course on human growth and development starting in third grade. The course must include two specific educational materials: a high-definition ultrasound video showing fetal organ development and the "Meet Baby Olivia" video detailing human development from conception to birth. The State Board of Education is authorized to adopt curriculum rules, and the Attorney General can enforce compliance with civil penalties for nonadherence. This law directly affects public school students in grades three and above across the state.

Maddy summarySB 181 makes West Virginia's Municipal Home Rule Program permanent, replacing a temporary pilot initiative. It requires participating municipalities to pay an annual $2,000 fee into a special fund for program operations. The bill prohibits participating cities and towns from creating local nondiscrimination ordinances that cover protected classes beyond those listed in state law. This directly affects all municipalities seeking or currently enrolled in the home rule program, particularly regarding anti-discrimination policies.

Maddy summarySB 79 creates a tax credit for West Virginia businesses that invest in road or highway infrastructure projects or coal production and processing facilities. Eligible taxpayers - such as corporations and consolidated groups subject to the state's severance tax - can claim the credit based on qualified expenditures like labor, materials, equipment, and real property costs for these projects. Businesses must apply for certification before claiming the credit for road projects, and unused credits can be carried forward to future tax years. The credit is transferable to business successors, and failure to maintain required records may trigger penalties.

Maddy summarySJR 12 proposes a constitutional amendment to eliminate West Virginia's tax on business inventory, which would prohibit the state from taxing goods, materials, or products held for sale, manufacturing, or processing. If approved by voters in the 2026 election, this amendment would require the state to replace lost revenue for counties, municipalities, and school districts through alternative funding mechanisms. The amendment specifies that local governments may adjust tax policies within state law to maintain fiscal stability after the tax is removed. This is a voter-approved constitutional change, not an immediate law, and would take effect upon ratification.

Maddy summarySB 184 prohibits camping in public places like sidewalks, streets, parks, or under bridges without permission from the managing authority, except for recreation or emergency shelter during disasters. It defines "camp" as temporarily residing with shelter (including tents or makeshift structures) and sets penalties for violations as a misdemeanor, with fines of $100-$1,000, community service, or for a first offense, a free one-way bus ticket to one of six major cities. Officers must attempt to provide alternatives - such as information on services - before issuing a citation, unless an immediate safety threat exists. The bill does not override stricter local ordinances on public camping.

Maddy summarySB 175 makes it a misdemeanor to camp in public spaces like sidewalks, parks, or under bridges without permission from the managing authority. It prohibits intentional camping (defined as temporary residence with shelter) and sets penalties of up to $1,000 fines, 30 days in jail, or 40 hours of community service for violations. First-time offenders receive a warning citation instead of penalties, and officers must try to direct people to alternative camping options before issuing citations. The bill explicitly allows local governments to maintain stricter camping rules and does not override existing ordinances that meet specific standards.

Maddy summarySB 37 clarifies existing rules for obtaining concealed carry permits in West Virginia, affecting applicants seeking permits for pistols or revolvers. It specifies that permits are limited to these weapons, requires applicants to verify citizenship/residency, age (21+), and absence of certain criminal convictions or mental health restrictions, and mandates a national background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. The bill also details fee structures ($50 for residents, $100 for non-residents) and clarifies that $25 of the fee funds the State Police while $25 goes to a concealed weapons license administration fund. It does not create new restrictions but makes the application process and eligibility criteria clearer.

Maddy summarySB 237 prohibits state and local government entities from mandating vaccines for any purpose. The bill adds a new section (§16-3-4d) to West Virginia law, explicitly stating that no state or local official, department, or agency may require vaccinations. This directly affects all government bodies, including public health departments and schools operating under state authority. The law prevents mandates by entities defined under §16-1-2 of the West Virginia Code, covering all vaccine requirements imposed by government. It does not address private sector mandates or vaccine recommendations.

Maddy summarySB 156 changes West Virginia's motor vehicle property tax system by replacing tax credits with direct refunds for eligible owners. It defines "eligible taxpayers" to include vehicle owners (including those with financing or leases), lessors who pass savings to lessees, and pass-through entity owners, while excluding motor vehicle dealers on retail inventory. The bill streamlines processing by requiring counties to report eligible claims weekly and mandating refunds within 30 days via check or direct deposit. This update simplifies the current system by shifting from credits applied against income tax to immediate cash refunds for timely-paid property taxes.

Maddy summarySB 18 protects West Virginia employees who use reasonable force (including deadly force under specific conditions) to defend themselves or others during an attack at work. The bill explicitly prohibits employers from terminating or taking adverse employment action against an employee solely for using such force, provided the employee reasonably believed they or others faced imminent danger of death or serious harm. This applies when the attack is by someone who is not a co-worker or fellow employee, such as an intruder. The law does not change the standards for justified self-defense but adds a clear employment protection to prevent retaliation for lawful defensive actions in the workplace.