Sen. Mike Azinger

Maddy summarySB 615 (West Virginia Senate Bill 615) requires all state and local law enforcement agencies in West Virginia to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when they determine an individual is in the U.S. without legal authorization. The bill directly affects undocumented immigrants in West Virginia and mandates that law enforcement cooperate with federal immigration authorities under federal law. Key provisions include prohibiting any state or local policies that would block this notification, and requiring agencies to follow federal immigration enforcement procedures. This bill changes how West Virginia law enforcement handles immigration status determinations, making notification to ICE mandatory rather than optional.

Maddy summarySB 891 requires West Virginia political subdivisions (like counties or municipalities) to obtain Attorney General approval before hiring private attorneys under contingency fee contracts for lawsuits. It mandates public notice of specific reasons for using such contracts - including why in-house lawyers or hourly fees aren't feasible - and requires published findings proving compliance with legal standards. The bill also clarifies that subdivisions cannot force attorneys to cover their own negligence but may contract for defense against claims involving the subdivision's actions. All approval-related findings become public records under state disclosure laws. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 28) expresses legislative support for extending Interstate 68 from Morgantown, West Virginia, to Kent, West Virginia, then across the Ohio River to Clarington, Ohio, and further to I-77 near Caldwell, Ohio. It does not create new policies or funding but urges state and federal officials to secure resources for this transportation corridor project. The resolution specifically references the "I-68 Energy Manufacturing AI Corridor" as a means to support economic growth in the Shale Crescent region, though it does not establish any new programs or obligations. It is a symbolic measure, not a substantive legislative bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows West Virginia county school boards to hire or accept certified chaplains as volunteers to provide support services for students, staff, and parents. Chaplains selected by school boards do not need state certification or licensing, but must pass background checks (similar to child care facilities) and cannot be registered sex offenders. The bill also limits legal liability for chaplains unless their actions were maliciously intended to harm or harass others. It directly affects school boards, chaplains, and the school community by creating a formal pathway for chaplain services.

Maddy summarySB 721 updates West Virginia's rules for self-storage rental agreements. It clarifies key terms like "occupant," "personal property," and "rental agreement," and requires operators to include specific notices about liens and property removal in all agreements. The bill sets a 30-day default period (instead of 60 days) before operators can remove or sell stored items for unpaid fees, mandates notice via newspaper, email, or online, and states that unsigned agreements bind renters if they use the space for over 30 days after receiving the agreement. These changes directly affect self-storage facility operators and renters using storage units in West Virginia.

Maddy summarySB 716 would lower the participation requirement for West Virginia's volunteer firefighter tax credit from 30% to 20% of department activities. This change directly affects volunteer firefighters seeking the tax credit, making it easier to qualify by reducing the minimum activity threshold. The bill amends Section 11-13JJ-4 of the state code to update the participation percentage while keeping other eligibility conditions unchanged. Currently, firefighters must participate in 30% of activities; the bill would require only 20%.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 730 requires West Virginia's Bureau for Family Assistance to meet two specific program standards by January 1, 2027: (1) reduce its error rate in processing applications to 6% or below, and (2) block individuals living in the U.S. illegally from receiving supplemental nutrition benefits. The bill directly affects the Bureau’s operations and applicants seeking nutrition assistance. It aims to align the state’s program with federal requirements, as noted in the bill’s purpose statement. The provisions focus on operational accuracy and eligibility verification for nutrition benefits.

Maddy summarySB 679 prevents minors from being prosecuted for prostitution if a court determines they are victims of human trafficking under West Virginia law. The bill amends existing statutes to explicitly state that no minor shall face criminal charges for prostitution offenses when the court finds they are victims of trafficking. This directly affects minors exploited in commercial sexual activity, ensuring they are treated as victims rather than criminals. The key mechanism requires a court to determine victim status before immunity applies, removing a barrier to support services and legal protection. The bill focuses on clarifying legal protections for vulnerable minors without changing penalties for traffickers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends West Virginia's dog racing licensing rules. It removes requirements that racetrack applicants must host a minimum number of live racing dates to obtain or maintain a license or to secure telecast wagering contracts. The bill also allows racetracks to operate simulcast racing (live races shown via video) without conducting any live dog racing, and simplifies licensing for video lottery operations at these venues. These changes directly affect dog racetracks seeking licenses or renewing operations, particularly those transitioning away from live racing.

Maddy summarySB 687 prohibits obscene materials (as defined by West Virginia law) from being present in or within 2,500 feet of public school facilities, including libraries, classrooms, and buildings for all public schools (pre-K through 12), public charter schools, and specific special education centers. School officials must remove known obscene materials and report suspected exposure of children to such materials; failure to report can result in misdemeanor charges. The bill also bans using school funds for materials promoting sexual activity to youth or distributing obscene materials to minors near schools, and requires the State Superintendent to establish complaint procedures with civil remedies available for negligence.