Maddy summarySB 183 amends West Virginia law to remove bona fide schools, public libraries, and museums from exemptions that previously protected them from criminal prosecution when distributing or displaying obscene material to minors. Under the current law, these entities were exempt if material was part of curriculum (schools), displayed with a parent present (libraries/museums), or met other specific conditions. The bill eliminates these specific exemptions, meaning schools, libraries, and museums would no longer automatically qualify for protection under this provision. This change would directly affect those institutions by subjecting them to the same criminal liability as other entities distributing obscene material to minors, unless they meet other existing exemptions (e.g., reasonable age verification). The bill is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee after being introduced on January 14, 2026.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySenate Bill 36 makes syringe exchange programs illegal in West Virginia, prohibiting any program where individuals can access sterile needles without a prescription. It requires all existing syringe exchange programs to cease operations by the bill's effective date, with a 120-day transition period allowed only for referrals to treatment - no syringes may be exchanged during this time. Harm reduction services like overdose prevention education, wound care, and opioid antagonist distribution remain permitted, provided they do not include syringe exchanges. Violators face civil penalties of up to $2,500 per day, and the state health office can seek court orders to enforce the law.
Maddy summarySB 164 establishes a temporary Joint Commission on Government Efficiency to review state agencies and identify ways to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and save costs. The commission, composed of legislative members and private-sector volunteers with business management experience, will conduct audits and make recommendations but cannot implement changes directly. State agencies must cooperate with the commission’s requests; noncompliance risks losing future funding. The commission expires 18 months after enactment and operates without state funding or staff compensation.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 33) allows West Virginia state legislators and legislative staff who already hold a valid concealed carry permit to carry concealed firearms inside Capitol buildings. It requires these individuals to register with the Capitol Police and submit a signed letter of intent to carry. The law does not change who may carry firearms but establishes a formal registration process for those who currently hold permits. It specifically permits concealed carry within Capitol buildings while maintaining existing restrictions on other weapons and conduct at the Capitol complex.
Maddy summarySB 17, the State Sovereignty Act of 2026, prohibits West Virginia and all its local governments - including counties, school districts, and health authorities - from enforcing or collaborating on mandates issued by the World Health Organization, the United Nations, or the World Economic Forum. The bill explicitly states that requirements from these international bodies, such as mask mandates, vaccine rules, medical testing, or data collection about residents, have no legal effect in the state. It ensures state laws and the constitution take precedence over such external directives, applying directly to all state and local entities. This law aims to prevent state compliance with international health or economic mandates that conflict with West Virginia's own legal framework.
Maddy summarySB 82 imposes a $3 tax per megawatt-hour on electricity produced from wind and solar sources for sale or trade in West Virginia, starting January 1, 2027. It applies to commercial producers at the point of interconnection with transmission lines, with exemptions for government facilities, personal consumption under 500 kWh daily, and new installations for the first three years of operation. Producers must report annual output by February 1 and pay taxes by the same date, facing penalties of up to 25% for late payment plus 12-18% annual interest. Revenue collected will be distributed to West Virginia counties based on the number of compliant volunteer fire departments, with counties then allocating funds directly to those departments.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 47 prohibits drag performances in public spaces where minors could attend, specifically banning them in schools, libraries, and other public properties. The bill defines "drag performance" as entertainment involving performers using clothing/makeup to exaggerate gender identity for prurient appeal, intended for audiences of at least two people. It prohibits adult-oriented businesses (including drag shows) from operating in locations accessible to minors and bans state funding for drag shows hosted by state agencies. The law directly affects venues like schools and libraries, as well as event organizers seeking state support. This bill amends West Virginia’s obscenity laws to add these specific restrictions.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to allow churches and religious denominations in West Virginia to incorporate, changing the current prohibition in Article VI, Section 47 of the state constitution. If approved, it would permit religious groups to form legal entities (incorporate) while maintaining existing provisions for securing church property and its use. The amendment specifically authorizes incorporation for religious organizations that choose to do so, without altering how church property is managed or transferred. It requires voter approval in the 2026 general election to take effect.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 2) proposes a constitutional amendment to protect gun rights in West Virginia. It would add a new section to the state constitution stating that "a person has the right to keep and bear arms for defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use." The amendment specifically prohibits state, county, municipal, or local government restrictions on this right based on factors like ammunition capacity, caliber, carry method, or accessories. If approved by voters in the 2026 election, it would become "Amendment 1" to the West Virginia Constitution.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 19 prohibits foreign governments and entities from designated countries (like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) from purchasing or acquiring title to real property in West Virginia, with key exceptions for U.S. citizens/residents, primary residences, and short-term leases (under 5 years). It requires existing foreign-owned properties to be sold within 180 days and mandates owners to file property details with the Department of Agriculture within 60 days. The West Virginia Attorney General enforces the law through investigations, court actions to divest property, and civil penalties. This bill directly affects foreign governments, entities controlled by them, and individuals from designated countries seeking to own real estate in West Virginia.