Sen. Chris Rose

Maddy summarySB 510, the "Creating Stable Energy Rates Protection Act," prohibits West Virginia's Public Service Commission from including costs for wind or solar energy facilities in utility rate increases. Specifically, the Commission cannot approve rate hikes based on construction, operation, maintenance, or decommissioning costs for new wind or solar projects. Existing contracts signed before the law's effective date are exempt, but no future rate increases can use costs from new commitments under those contracts. The Commission must annually report to the Legislature on the policy's impact on energy rates and reliability. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 507 prohibits drag performances in public venues where minors could attend, specifically banning them in schools, libraries, and other public spaces. It defines "drag performance" as shows where performers use clothing/makeup to exaggerate gender identity for entertainment, intended to appeal to prurient interest. The bill also prohibits state agencies from using public funds to host such performances. This directly affects schools, libraries, and state-funded events by restricting where drag shows may occur. The law amends West Virginia’s obscenity statutes to add this specific restriction.

Maddy summaryThis proposal would require West Virginia's State Board of Education to submit all new education policies to the legislature for approval. Before submission, the board must hold public hearings on proposed policies. The legislature would have 60 days during a regular session to approve, amend, or reject policies; if no action is taken, the policy would automatically take effect. This directly affects the State Board of Education (which must seek approval) and the legislature (which gains oversight authority over education policies).

Maddy summarySB 468, the "WV Defend the Guard Act," would require the U.S. Congress to officially declare war or take a specific constitutional action (such as calling the militia to repel invasion or suppress insurrection) before the West Virginia National Guard can be deployed for active combat. The bill defines "active combat" as participation in armed conflict, hazardous foreign service, or war-related duties, and mandates that the Guard remain under state control until Congress meets these requirements. The Governor of West Virginia would be required to enforce this rule, preventing National Guard deployment to combat without a formal war declaration or specific congressional authorization.

Maddy summaryThe "Inflation Protection Act of 2025" (SB 465) allows West Virginia's state treasurer to invest up to 10% of public funds in precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) and specific digital assets, including stablecoins and cryptocurrencies with a market cap exceeding $750 billion. It requires digital assets to be held using a secure custody system that protects private keys and meets strict security standards, and mandates regulatory approval for stablecoins. The state retirement funds can also invest in exchange-traded products for these assets. The bill sets a 10% investment cap to limit risk and ensures safety through defined custody and regulatory requirements.

Maddy summarySB 471, the Student-First School Funding Act, revises West Virginia's school funding formula to allocate state funds directly per student enrolled, with extra funding for students from low-income families, those with disabilities, in gifted programs, or attending rural schools. It creates a dedicated School Maintenance Fund with equal access to the existing Consolidation Fund, requiring streamlined applications based on maintenance urgency and educational impact. School districts must report annually on fund use, and the State Auditor will conduct audits to ensure accountability. This bill directly affects all public school districts in West Virginia by changing how state education funds are distributed and accessed.

Maddy summarySB 504 prohibits camping in public places like sidewalks, parks, streets, and under bridges without permission from authorities. It defines "camp" as temporarily residing with shelter (including tents or shelters for weather protection) and makes violations a misdemeanor punishable by fines ($100-$1,000), up to 40 hours of community service, or a free bus ticket to one of six cities for first offenses. Officers must first try to offer alternatives (like shelter services) before issuing citations, unless an immediate safety threat exists. The bill does not override stricter local camping bans but requires consistency with its penalties.

Maddy summarySB 469, the WV Constitutional Carry Act of 2025, would amend West Virginia law to allow residents aged 18 to 20 to carry concealed deadly weapons without a permit, matching the current rule for those 21 and older. The bill removes the existing prohibition requiring a permit for this age group, updating penalties and provisions in the state code while maintaining current exceptions (such as on private property or during hunting). It does not change the list of individuals prohibited from possessing firearms under state law. This change would directly affect 18- to 20-year-olds who are not barred from firearm possession under existing state law.

Maddy summarySB 437 creates the West Virginia Coal Marketing Program, administered by the Governor, to protect and expand the state's coal markets and facilities while addressing economic impacts on coal-dependent communities. It allocates $1 million from the general fund for the program, requiring the Governor to spend funds only on projects benefiting coal markets or mitigating community impacts from market changes. The bill mandates annual reports to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance detailing funded projects, recipients, and amounts, and requires Attorney General certification for all transactions. The program is funded through a dedicated account with continuous appropriations, effective 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 438 establishes the West Virginia Intrastate Energy Use Act, clarifying that the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) exclusively regulates environmental aspects of coal, oil, and natural gas extracted and consumed within the state. It requires coal mines, oil wells, gas wells, and in-state power generation facilities using these resources to obtain operational permits from WVDEP after meeting state and federal compliance standards. The bill asserts that federal agencies like the EPA lack authority to deny such permits for resources not entering interstate commerce, as these activities fall under state jurisdiction per constitutional principles. This act does not override other environmental laws but specifically defines WVDEP's role for intrastate energy use.