Sen. Amy Grady

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 2) proposes a constitutional amendment to protect gun rights in West Virginia. It would add a new section to the state constitution stating that "a person has the right to keep and bear arms for defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use." The amendment specifically prohibits state, county, municipal, or local government restrictions on this right based on factors like ammunition capacity, caliber, carry method, or accessories. If approved by voters in the 2026 election, it would become "Amendment 1" to the West Virginia Constitution.

Maddy summarySB 154 prohibits digitally inserting an actual minor’s image into sexually explicit content to falsely depict the minor as participating in the conduct. It directly affects anyone who modifies photographs, videos, or recordings containing sexually explicit material by adding a visual image of a living or former minor (under 18 when the original image was taken). The bill creates a new felony offense punishable by up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. This law establishes a separate criminal penalty distinct from other offenses under West Virginia law.

Maddy summarySB 162 requires the West Virginia Board of Education to create a rule (with input from the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy) governing concussion protocols, education, and prevention for school athletic activities. The rule will apply to all school sports teams, youth sports leagues using school facilities, and activities regulated by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission. Schools must then adopt a specific Concussion Education, Prevention, and Response Plan based on this rule, covering who receives training and how to handle concussions. This bill directly affects schools, athletic staff, and youth sports participants on school grounds.

Maddy summarySB 202 would exempt certain military veterans and their families from tuition and fees at West Virginia’s public colleges and universities. It specifically covers: (1) spouses and children of veterans killed in action, missing in action, or who died while serving; (2) disabled veterans with 90%+ service-connected disabilities (since 9/11); and (3) spouses and children of active-duty veterans who died or went missing in service. To qualify, applicants must be West Virginia residents, apply for FAFSA, exhaust other tuition aid, and maintain academic standards. The exemption applies only to undergraduate programs and does not cover special fees like lab costs or parking. The bill is pending in committee and not yet law.

Maddy summarySB 154 prohibits public schools from teaching about sexual orientation as part of their curriculum. The law directly affects public school students and educators in the state where it passed, banning instruction on sexual orientation in classrooms. Key provisions require schools to remove any content related to sexual orientation from required lessons. This law became effective on April 30, 2025, after being approved by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 765 establishes the Troops-to-Teachers Program to help military veterans transition into teaching careers. The law directly affects veterans seeking to become licensed teachers by waiving certain state licensing requirements and providing support services. Key provisions include streamlined certification processes, tuition assistance for education programs, and partnerships with school districts to place qualified veterans. The program became effective upon the governor's approval on April 30, 2025, as Chapter 90 of the 2025 Regular Session Acts.

Maddy summarySB 912 updates West Virginia's statewide student assessment program for grades 3-8 in reading and mathematics by requiring three specific assessment periods: a benchmark assessment within the first 30 days of the school year, a mid-year assessment, and a summative assessment at year's end. These assessments will determine student progression in the required subjects, replacing the previous schedule. The bill also removes outdated language from existing law to modernize the statute. This change directly affects public schools, students in grades 3-8, and educators implementing the assessment schedule.

Maddy summarySB 257, effective August 8, 2025, allows owners of private cemeteries to seek compensation from visitors who accidentally cause damage to the cemetery property. The law directly affects private cemetery property owners by giving them a legal basis to recover costs for repairs after unintentional damage by visitors. Key provisions establish that property owners can pursue reimbursement from the visitor responsible, rather than bearing the expense themselves. This change clarifies that accidental damage during cemetery visits does not automatically fall on the property owner.

Maddy summarySB 283 requires public high school students to complete a personal finance course as a graduation requirement across expanded grade levels. The bill directly affects all students in public high schools by mandating financial literacy education earlier in their academic journey. Key provisions change the current grade range for this requirement, ensuring students take the course in more grades (e.g., moving from 11th grade to include 9th or 10th grade). This policy change standardizes personal finance education as a core graduation requirement statewide.

Maddy summarySB 199 amends West Virginia law to improve how schools address student behavior in elementary settings (K-6). It requires county school boards to partner with licensed behavioral health agencies or create alternative learning centers for students with disruptive behavior, and mandates that these students meet regularly with school social workers or behavioral specialists to develop transition plans back to regular classrooms. The bill also sets specific protocols for K-6 teachers who observe violent, threatening, or intimidating behavior that disrupts learning, requiring them to follow defined steps before exclusion. Additionally, it requires school staff to receive training on alternatives to traditional discipline and clarifies that these changes align with federal law.