Sen. Mike Azinger

Maddy summarySB 277 prohibits West Virginia public and charter schools from teaching specific ideas labeled as "divisive concepts," such as claims that one race is inherently superior, the U.S. is fundamentally racist, or individuals bear responsibility for past actions of their race. The bill defines these concepts and allows teachers to be dismissed for promoting them, while permitting objective academic discussion of the topics without endorsement. It applies to all public school districts and charter schools in West Virginia, effective July 1, 2025. The law does not ban teaching historical or social issues but restricts instruction that endorses the prohibited concepts.

Maddy summarySB 276 makes it a criminal offense for a person to perform adult cabaret shows - such as those featuring topless dancers, strippers, or exotic dancers that are sexually suggestive - in public places or locations where minors could view them. A first offense is classified as a misdemeanor, while repeat offenses are felonies punishable by up to $25,000 in fines, five years in prison, or both. The law defines "adult cabaret performance" broadly to include similar sexually suggestive entertainers, regardless of payment. It directly affects venues and performers operating in public or accessible locations, and overrides any conflicting local ordinances.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits commercial websites from distributing material harmful to minors online by requiring them to verify users are 18+ using standard age verification tools. It directly affects commercial entities operating websites with substantial pornographic content accessible to minors. Key provisions mandate age verification before access and impose civil liability for damages if minors access such material, including attorney fees. The law explicitly excludes liability for internet platforms hosting user content (like social media), focusing only on commercial distributors.

Maddy summarySB 278 prohibits obscene materials within 2,500 feet of West Virginia public schools, including libraries, classrooms, and facilities serving grades pre-K through 12 (such as charter schools and career centers). It requires school officials to remove obscene materials found on school grounds or in the 2,500-foot zone and mandates reporting suspected exposure to minors, with failure to report treated as a misdemeanor. The bill also bans school funding (including federal funds) for materials promoting sexual activity or distributing obscene content to minors near schools, and allows students or parents to sue schools for negligence in enforcing the law. It relies on existing legal definitions of "obscene" and "minor" under West Virginia law.

Maddy summarySB 279 prohibits medical professionals in West Virginia from providing certain gender transition-related treatments or surgeries to minors under age 21. Specifically, it bans surgeries like hysterectomies or phalloplasty, hormone therapies exceeding natural levels, puberty blockers, and specific cosmetic procedures. The bill imposes penalties including license revocation and up to $10,000 fines for violations, with exemptions only for minors with medically verified genetic disorders of sexual development. It directly affects minors seeking gender-affirming care, medical providers, and healthcare facilities operating in West Virginia.

Maddy summarySB 43 updates West Virginia law to require certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) to meet specific new credentialing standards when administering anesthetics under physician or dentist supervision. To qualify, CRNAs must now hold a registered nursing license, an advanced practice nursing license, graduate from an accredited nurse anesthetist program, and hold board certification from the National Board of Certification. The bill clarifies that this supervision requires active collaboration ("cooperation") between the CRNA and the physician or dentist, with each working within their respective expertise. This directly affects CRNAs, physicians, and dentists providing anesthesia services in the state.

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.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks federal lawmakers to apply the same food safety standards to imported products as those required for goods produced and sold within the United States. The bill highlights concerns that dangerous substances have been found in foreign foods at levels exceeding safe limits, arguing that current differences in standards create unfair advantages for foreign producers while potentially endangering American consumers. It further requests that imported foods be clearly labeled to inform buyers about their origin and associated risks, and directs the Senate to send this request to relevant federal agriculture committees. Ultimately, the measure serves as a formal appeal for stricter oversight and enforcement of food safety regulations on imported items to protect public health and ensure market fairness.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the U.S. Department of the Treasury to negotiate a tax agreement with Taiwan to prevent double taxation and stop tax evasion. The bill aims to address current issues where Taiwanese companies face a 30 percent withholding tax and individuals might be taxed by both nations. By establishing these rules, the measure seeks to encourage more trade and investment between the two economies while aligning with similar agreements other countries have made with Taiwan. It is a non-binding recommendation intended to guide future negotiations rather than directly changing laws.