Sen. Chris Rose

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts home producers from most state food regulations for selling nonpotentially hazardous foods (like baked goods, jams, or non-alcoholic beverages) directly to consumers. It applies to individuals producing these items at their residential property, excluding dairy, meat, poultry, or alcoholic products. Producers must sell directly to consumers (not through retailers), deliver items to consumers, and provide required notices about the food's origin. The exemption covers licensing, permitting, inspection, packaging, and labeling requirements for these specific foods, while potentially hazardous foods (like dairy) still require department permits and oversight.

Maddy summarySB 567 prohibits employers from terminating employees who use reasonable force, including deadly force when necessary to prevent death or serious harm, to defend themselves or others during an attack at work. It applies when the attacker is not a co-worker and the employee reasonably believes they or others face imminent danger. The law ensures employees cannot face job loss solely for using such force in self-defense, as long as it is reasonable and proportionate. This extends workplace self-defense protections under existing West Virginia law.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 9) recognizes Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and their essential role in advocating for children involved in abuse and neglect proceedings. It acknowledges that in 2024, CASA volunteers represented over 3,500 West Virginia children through community-based programs funded by local contributions. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to forward a copy to the West Virginia CASA Association as a symbolic gesture of support for these volunteers.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 11 recognizes Cottage Hill Farm in Grant County, West Virginia, as the state's outstanding family-owned Hereford cattle farm for 2024. This ceremonial resolution highlights the farm's conservation practices, community involvement, and environmental stewardship efforts, including its work on water quality protection and Chesapeake Bay watershed initiatives. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of the farm's achievements and contributions to agriculture in West Virginia.

Maddy summarySB 530, the West Virginia Land Sovereignty Act, blocks foreign governments and entities from designated high-risk countries (like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) from purchasing or acquiring title to real property in West Virginia. It requires existing foreign owners to register their land with the Department of Agriculture within 60 days or sell it within 180 days. The law includes exceptions for U.S. citizens/residents, primary residences (homesteads), and short-term leaseholds (under five years). The West Virginia Attorney General enforces the law through investigations, court actions, and property divestment.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 286 grants parents and legal guardians direct access to their minor child's health records without requiring the child's permission, except in four specific cases: the child has graduated high school, is emancipated, married, or if a criminal case for child abuse is pending against the parent. The bill removes the need for healthcare providers to obtain a minor's authorization for parents to access records, aligning with existing HIPAA guidelines. It also ensures managed care organizations, child placing agencies, and temporary custodians can access a child's medical records. This change applies to all healthcare providers and child welfare entities in West Virginia, streamlining access while maintaining clear exceptions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 7) formally recognizes the 153rd anniversary of Glenville State University. It expresses the Senate's appreciation for the university's historical contributions to teacher education and its current role in providing diverse academic programs (including business, health sciences, and criminal justice) that support West Virginia's educational and economic vitality. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy to the university president. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a specific tax provision (§11-6A-5a) that previously applied to wind power projects in West Virginia. It removes the existing tax treatment for wind energy facilities from the state code. The repeal directly affects developers and operators of wind power projects in the state by eliminating this specific tax requirement. The bill makes a concrete change to the tax code without adding new provisions or rates.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with legal effect) that formally commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Sport Fish Restoration Program. It recognizes the program's history since 1950, which uses excise taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuels to fund state fisheries conservation efforts through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The resolution honors anglers, the sportfishing industry, state agencies, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their role in restoring fish populations. It does not create new laws, change funding, or affect any specific individuals or groups beyond acknowledging their historical contributions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 7) requests that West Virginia's Division of Highways name a 2.9-mile segment of Riverside Drive in Boone County - the portion between 5th and 4th Avenues in front of Madison Middle School - as "Cohen Wade Craddock Memorial Road." It commemorates Cohen Wade Craddock, a Madison Middle School student who died in 2024 after sustaining injuries during football practice. The resolution directs the Division of Highways to install signs marking the designated road segment. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new law but formally honors Cohen Wade Craddock.