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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 44) honoring basketball legend Jerry West, a native of West Virginia. It memorializes his life and legacy, recognizing his birth in Chelyan, West Virginia; his high school and college career at West Virginia University; his NBA playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers; and his contributions to basketball as a player, coach, and executive. The resolution also acknowledges his philanthropy, including the Jerry West Scholarship for WVU students. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a formal tribute expressing the Senate's respect and extending sympathy to his family.
Maddy summarySB 593 requires counties using West Virginia's Express Vote electronic voting system to capture and preserve images of each ballot cast, along with a summary of votes (cast vote record), without including voter names or other personal details. County election officials must send these records to the Secretary of State within 24 hours after election canvass concludes. The Secretary of State must then publish the data online by precinct and county, with special privacy protections for precincts having fewer than 10 absentee, provisional, or challenged ballots to prevent voter identification. This law directly affects county election offices, the Secretary of State, and ensures public access to election data while safeguarding voter anonymity.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 3, 2025, as "Women and Girls’ Day" at the West Virginia Legislature. It symbolically recognizes the contributions of women and girls across West Virginia through the West Virginia Women’s Commission’s annual events and policy focus. The resolution expresses the Senate’s appreciation for women’s roles in the state’s economy, families, communities, and society. As a ceremonial measure, it does not create new laws, funding, or obligations.
Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 558 requires public high school students to earn at least one-half credit in a computer science course to graduate, starting with the 2027-2028 school year for ninth graders. The bill defines "computer science" as studying programming, algorithms, and computer principles - not basic computer skills like word processing - and mandates courses meet state standards, offered in person unless not feasible (then allowing blended or online options). Schools must list approved courses by 2026, and if a computer science course fulfills a math or science requirement, transcripts must note it as equivalent for college admissions. The law also requires the State Board of Education to create rules supporting teacher capacity and course flexibility.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 13) memorializes Wanda Porterfield Casto, a 34-year part-time Senate Secretary/Administrative Assistant who served the West Virginia Senate and dedicated her life to public service. The resolution formally honors her legacy as a wife, mother, grandmother, and public servant, extending the Senate's deepest sympathies to her family following her passing on May 20, 2024. It directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to her family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely to recognize her contributions.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 3) creates a Select Committee on Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health for the Eighty-Seventh Legislature. The committee, appointed by the Senate Presiding Officer (up to 17 members), will gather information on prevention, treatment, research, policies, access to care, and funding related to substance use disorders and mental health. It may meet during legislative interims and has jurisdiction over related legislative proposals, operating under Senate committee rules. This is a procedural resolution establishing a committee, not a law changing policy.
Maddy summarySB 559 requires all legal injunctions and lawsuits involving the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) to be filed exclusively in Wood County or Kanawha County courts. This procedural change directly affects anyone filing legal action against WVSSAC, including schools, students, or organizations challenging its decisions. The bill amends existing law to mandate this specific venue for such cases, streamlining legal proceedings. It does not alter WVSSAC's operational rules, eligibility standards, or funding mechanisms.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the West Virginia Legislature to replace the state's existing statue of John Kenna in the National Statuary Hall Collection at the U.S. Capitol with a new statue honoring Hershel "Woody" Williams. The legislation recognizes Williams as a Medal of Honor recipient and founder of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument program, citing his military service and community contributions as worthy of national commemoration. To implement this change, the bill establishes a commission to select a sculptor, authorizes the Governor to fund the project from a contingency fund, and mandates that the removed John Kenna statue be displayed at the State Culture Center.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors David Allen Stover for his public service in West Virginia. It acknowledges his career as a teacher, his time as Wyoming County Circuit Clerk, and his single term in the state Senate. The bill formally expresses the Senate's appreciation for his dedication and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to him.