Sen. Eric Tarr

Maddy summarySB 117 creates a reward program for West Virginia residents who provide information leading to arrests for drug trafficking. The program is funded by a one-cent excise tax on each purchase of opioid antagonists (like naloxone) and fentanyl test strips, with revenue directed to a special account managed by the West Virginia State Police. Citizens reporting drug trafficking information will receive rewards paid from this account, and the rewards are exempt from taxation. The bill also includes privacy protections for informants and defines key terms like "opioid antagonist kits" and "test strips."

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 34) creates a mandatory 3-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of illegally possessing Schedule I or II controlled substances (excluding cannabis). It applies to possession offenses, with exceptions for people who were incidentally exposed to the substances or forced to possess them. First-time offenders may qualify for conditional discharge, and the bill specifies that cannabis possession is not covered by this new sentencing requirement. The law amends existing West Virginia drug statutes to enforce these penalties.

Maddy summarySB 38 prohibits state agencies from using public funds to challenge West Virginia laws in court. It revokes spending authority for any agency action opposing state legislation, except for the Attorney General or specific elected officials (like the Governor, Secretary of State, or State Treasurer) when challenging laws related to their constitutional duties. This bill changes how state agencies may allocate funds for legal challenges against West Virginia statutes.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 32 requires all new branch banks and bank/credit union acquisitions in West Virginia to have Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance as a condition for approval. This directly affects banks, credit unions, and bank holding companies seeking to establish new branches or merge with other financial institutions within the state. The bill amends existing banking laws to make FDIC insurance mandatory before the state banking board can approve branch expansions or mergers. This change ensures that all new branch operations and acquisitions meet federal insurance standards, adding a new regulatory requirement for financial institutions entering the West Virginia market.

Maddy summarySB 91 prohibits county boards and commissions from using public funds if they retain a labor representative position. Starting July 1, 2026, any requirement for labor representatives on these bodies is eliminated, and they must appoint a non-labor-affiliated "lay person" instead. Boards or commissions failing to comply by this date lose spending authority for all activities. The bill directly affects county-level boards and commissions that currently include labor representatives in their membership structure.

Maddy summarySB 90 prohibits voters not affiliated with a major political party from voting for that party's candidates in primary elections. The bill requires that unaffiliated voters - including those registered as "independent" - receive only nonpartisan ballots for primary elections, rather than party-specific ballots. This directly affects voters who are not registered with a major party but attempt to vote in a partisan primary. The law amends West Virginia Code sections 3-1-35 and 3-2-31 to implement this rule.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 88 defines community air monitoring programs as systems run by community groups (not government agencies or polluters) to collect air quality data. It prohibits the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection from using this data for fines, enforcement actions, permit decisions, or regulatory rulemaking under the Clean Air Act. The bill requires that any data offered for investigation must meet scientific standards, including proper equipment calibration and documentation. It ensures community-collected air quality data cannot directly impact regulatory actions against polluting facilities.

Maddy summarySB 37 clarifies existing rules for obtaining concealed carry permits in West Virginia, affecting applicants seeking permits for pistols or revolvers. It specifies that permits are limited to these weapons, requires applicants to verify citizenship/residency, age (21+), and absence of certain criminal convictions or mental health restrictions, and mandates a national background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. The bill also details fee structures ($50 for residents, $100 for non-residents) and clarifies that $25 of the fee funds the State Police while $25 goes to a concealed weapons license administration fund. It does not create new restrictions but makes the application process and eligibility criteria clearer.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 36 makes syringe exchange programs illegal in West Virginia, prohibiting any program where individuals can access sterile needles without a prescription. It requires all existing syringe exchange programs to cease operations by the bill's effective date, with a 120-day transition period allowed only for referrals to treatment - no syringes may be exchanged during this time. Harm reduction services like overdose prevention education, wound care, and opioid antagonist distribution remain permitted, provided they do not include syringe exchanges. Violators face civil penalties of up to $2,500 per day, and the state health office can seek court orders to enforce the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SB 31, provides an enhanced retirement benefit for specific West Virginia public retirees. It directly affects retirees over age 77 who retired before June 30, 2020, and have received retirement payments for at least 12 years. The key provision adds a monthly supplement equal to 103% of the retiree's annual retirement payment at age 65, calculated as a compounded amount. This supplement is in addition to existing retirement benefits under the West Virginia Public Employees Retirement Act. The bill does not change eligibility criteria or funding mechanisms beyond this specific payment adjustment.