Sen. Amy Grady

Maddy summarySB 449 allows public schools to establish organized shooting teams using compressed air firearms (non-lethal) and rimfire firearms (like .22 caliber). It removes previous restrictions preventing schools from creating such teams for competitive or educational purposes. The bill directly affects public school administrators and students participating in these sanctioned activities. It became law after Governor approval on April 24, 2025, and took effect on August 8, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 282 modifies state rules to allow retired teachers to serve as substitute teachers in school districts facing critical teacher shortages or critical needs. The bill removes previous restrictions that limited retired teachers' substitute employment, making it easier for districts to hire them in areas with staffing gaps. This change directly affects retired educators seeking substitute work and school districts struggling to fill teaching positions. The law, enacted as Chapter 212 of the 2025 Regular Session, became effective upon the Governor's approval on April 15, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 581 modifies school attendance policies to include student participation in 4-H activities as valid school attendance. It directly affects students enrolled in 4-H programs and school districts that must now count such participation toward attendance requirements. The key provision allows schools to recognize 4-H meetings and activities as equivalent to in-person classroom time for attendance purposes. This law, approved by the Governor on April 24, 2025, and enacted as Chapter 86 of the 2025 Regular Session, creates a concrete policy change for student attendance tracking.

Maddy summarySB 8 expands safe surrender options for newborns by allowing parents to leave infants safely at additional locations like hospitals, fire stations, or designated facilities, and through new surrender devices (e.g., secure drop boxes). It directly affects parents seeking to surrender newborns without legal repercussions. The law adds specific sites and devices to existing safe surrender protocols, ensuring more accessible and anonymous options. Signed into law by the governor on March 26, 2025, it became effective August 8, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 198 prohibits the creation, production, distribution, or possession of artificially generated child pornography, specifically targeting AI-generated content that depicts minors. The law applies directly to individuals or entities involved in producing, sharing, or holding such material, including through artificial intelligence tools. It establishes new criminal penalties for violations, with specific enforcement mechanisms outlined in the statute. The bill became effective on August 8, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 650, titled "Relating to full-time interventionists," is a procedural bill that names a specific building or facility (likely related to interventionist roles in a government or educational setting). It does not establish new policies or affect any group through substantive changes. The bill was approved by the Governor on April 24, 2025, and became Chapter 87 of the 2025 Regular Session. As a naming resolution, it has no direct policy impact on constituents or legislative operations.

Maddy summarySB 652 expands existing cardiac arrest emergency response requirements to apply specifically to elementary schools. This law requires all elementary schools to implement standardized procedures for responding to cardiac emergencies, including access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and staff training. The bill directly affects elementary schools across the state by mandating these safety protocols for student and staff health. Enacted as Chapter 88 of the 2025 Regular Session, it builds upon prior provisions that previously applied only to higher grade levels.

Maddy summarySB 722 creates a tax credit program for West Virginia short line railroads (Class II or III railroads or rail siding owners) to fund infrastructure improvements. Eligible companies can claim a 50% tax credit for qualified maintenance costs (capped at $5,000 per mile of track) or new infrastructure projects (capped at $2 million per project or $5 million annually). Credits can be used against state taxes, carried forward for up to five years, or transferred to other taxpayers. The bill directly affects rail operators in West Virginia seeking to modernize tracks, sidings, or safety infrastructure.

Maddy summarySB 866 requires the West Virginia Board of Education, in consultation with the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy, to create a rule governing concussion protocols, education, and prevention. This rule would mandate that all K-12 schools adopt a "Concussion Education, Prevention, and Response Plan" for athletic activities, youth sports teams using school grounds, and events regulated by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission. The rule must specify who needs concussion-related training (e.g., coaches, staff) and align with existing concussion management standards for school sports. It does not change current laws but establishes a new requirement for schools to implement standardized concussion safety plans.

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.