Sen. Chris Rose

Maddy summarySB 270 declares that the sale and manufacture of firearms are essential businesses during any declared emergency. This directly affects firearm dealers, manufacturers, and distributors, ensuring they can continue operating when other non-essential businesses may be required to close. The bill requires emergency orders issued by the governor or local authorities to explicitly include firearm businesses as essential, preventing them from being shut down during crises like natural disasters or public health emergencies. It became law on April 25, 2025, as Chapter 241 of the 2025 Regular Session Acts.

Maddy summarySB 627 removes a legal prohibition preventing the state from leasing underground pore spaces (geological formations) beneath lands already designated as state parks. This bill directly affects state park lands by allowing potential leasing for activities like oil, gas, or mineral extraction in those subsurface areas. The key mechanism is simply eliminating the existing ban on such leases, enabling new agreements between the state and private entities. The bill was enacted into law (Chapter 155, 2025 Regular Session) after approval by the Governor on April 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 617 defines "gang" as any group of three or more people engaging in specific crimes, and creates new criminal penalties for gang membership and recruitment. It makes joining a gang or assisting in gang-related crimes a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a $25,000 fine, separate from the underlying crimes. The bill also adds penalties for intimidating witnesses in gang-related cases, with up to 10 years in prison. This law directly affects individuals who join gangs or recruit others, targeting ongoing criminal activity under West Virginia's Anti-Organized Criminal Enterprise Act.

Maddy summarySB 722 creates a tax credit program for West Virginia short line railroads (Class II or III railroads or rail siding owners) to fund infrastructure improvements. Eligible companies can claim a 50% tax credit for qualified maintenance costs (capped at $5,000 per mile of track) or new infrastructure projects (capped at $2 million per project or $5 million annually). Credits can be used against state taxes, carried forward for up to five years, or transferred to other taxpayers. The bill directly affects rail operators in West Virginia seeking to modernize tracks, sidings, or safety infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 18) recognizes the West Virginia Legislature's intent to create the "West Virginia Coal Renaissance Act" but does not enact new law. It directs state agencies (like the Department of Commerce and Public Service Commission) to develop strategies for increasing coal usage in state power plants, including optimizing plant operations, preventing premature closures, and supporting coal production. The resolution specifically targets coal-fired electric utilities and plants, aiming to reverse years of declining coal use by aligning state policy with federal energy priorities under the Trump administration. It focuses on planning and coordination (e.g., quarterly progress reports) rather than mandating immediate policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 503 allows West Virginia sheriffs to appoint more than one chief deputy, provided the county commission consents. This change directly affects sheriffs and county commissions, who must now approve such appointments. The bill removes previous restrictions that limited sheriffs to a single chief deputy, addressing staffing needs in larger counties. It does not alter political restrictions for chief deputies or firearm rules for conservators, which are separate provisions in the bill.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 50 is a non-binding request to the federal government to study and implement waterway restoration projects in West Virginia. The resolution specifically asks federal agencies to evaluate and act on debris removal, river bed stabilization, and restoration of natural water flow patterns to address existing flooding damage and prevent future flooding. It was prompted by historic flooding in West Virginia during winter and spring 2025, which left streams and rivers filled with debris that continues to damage property and infrastructure. The resolution requests federal action to mitigate these issues and reduce future recovery costs. This resolution is addressed to President Donald J. Trump and Elon Musk, in his alleged capacity as a special government employee.

Maddy summarySCR 27 is a request for the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study West Virginia's alcohol sales regulations. The bill asks the committee to examine current rules (many dating to the 1930s) that govern alcohol sales, distribution, and consumption. The study will assess whether these regulations are efficient, modern, and effective, considering input from businesses, consumers, health professionals, and law enforcement. The committee must report its findings and recommendations to the 2026 legislative session.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 26 directs the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study smoke shops in West Virginia, focusing on products they sell, health risks, and sales to minors. The resolution specifically asks the committee to examine both legal and illegal tobacco, nicotine, CBD, kratom, and cannabis products, including their compliance with federal safety guidelines. The committee will assess how illegal products enter the state and their sources, with a report due to the 2026 legislative session. This study aims to inform potential regulatory changes regarding these products without proposing new laws. The resolution does not make policy changes but requests a comprehensive examination to address safety concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts small oil and gas-related tanks (210 barrels or less capacity) not located in high-risk "zones of critical concern" from most regulatory requirements, including third-party inspections. It requires owners of tanks in high-risk zones to perform monthly secondary containment inspections and self-certify annually instead of using third-party inspectors. The bill also prevents regulators from mandating physical tank modifications for leak detection without confirmed leaks. These changes primarily affect oil/gas operators and coal mining sites using such tanks.