Maddy summarySB 720 establishes the West Virginia Comprehensive Student and Family Support Act to create a coordinated system of services for students facing barriers like emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges that risk academic failure, suspension, or out-of-home placement. It directly affects eligible students in West Virginia public schools who are at risk of dropout, exclusion, or placement, prioritizing those transitioning from juvenile justice or foster care. The bill creates a state fund to pool public resources, requires local teams to coordinate education, health, and social services, and mandates outcome tracking (like attendance and behavioral progress) through a State Oversight Office within the West Virginia Department of Education. This system aims to reduce duplication, improve educational outcomes, and ensure accountability via annual reporting and audits.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates February 3, 2026, as "Marshall University Day" at the Capitol to honor the university's contributions. It recognizes Marshall University's history, alumni achievements, academic programs (including cybersecurity and health care), economic impact, and student-athlete success. The resolution has no binding policy effect - it is purely ceremonial, with no new requirements or funding for the university. The Senate adopted it unanimously by voice vote on February 3, 2026.
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 summaryThis bill allows licensed physicians in West Virginia to operate designated large medical vehicles with red flashing warning lights during medical emergencies, similar to ambulances and fire trucks. It requires the West Virginia Board of Medicine and Board of Osteopathic Medicine to create and manage programs designating which physicians' vehicles qualify as emergency vehicles. Physicians using these designated vehicles would be exempt from standard traffic laws (like speed limits) while responding to emergencies. The medical boards must propose specific rules for legislative approval before implementing this program.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how West Virginia distributes funds from its Flood Resiliency Trust Fund to improve flood prevention and safety. It requires that at least 50% of all disbursements go to low-income areas and households, while another 50% must be used for nature-based solutions like floodplain restoration and property acquisition. The legislation also sets specific conditions for funding political subdivisions, requiring them to adopt updated road and bridge standards, flood hazard bylaws, local hazard mitigation plans, emergency operations plans, and meet FEMA community rating system requirements within 24 months. Ultimately, the State Resiliency Officer retains discretion over fund allocation but must follow these new prioritization rules and approval processes.
Maddy summaryThis bill grants municipal fire marshals in West Virginia the authority to assist law enforcement officers in carrying out their official duties. It allows fire marshals to arrest individuals who disobey lawful orders at fire scenes, violate arson or explosive offense prohibitions, obstruct a fire marshal, or fail to obey lawful commands, provided they receive required law enforcement training. The legislation also permits fire marshals to file criminal complaints to obtain arrest warrants and clarifies that assistance to federal law enforcement is subject to specific limitations. Additionally, fire marshals may help other law enforcement officers execute their duties when requested, but must work under the direct supervision of the requesting officer.
Maddy summarySB 656 updates ethics rules for West Virginia's Public Service Commission (PSC). It requires PSC members' financial disclosures to be published online, increasing transparency about their financial interests. The bill clarifies that the PSC must consider the public interest when regulating electric utilities and specifies factors for those decisions. Additionally, it revises ethical standards for PSC membership and subjects commissioners to the code of judicial ethics.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires West Virginia county public school systems to conduct annual surveys of students to assess food access during non-school periods (like summers) and compile local resources for nutritious meals. It directs counties to share this information with students and community food providers, while enabling schools to develop local programs using existing resources (e.g., community partnerships or mentorship). The West Virginia Office of Child Nutrition will facilitate coordination and share successful approaches across counties. The law focuses on enabling local solutions to reduce student food insecurity during school breaks, rather than mandating specific statewide programs.
Maddy summarySB 396 creates the West Virginia Job Training and Placement Act, allowing certified retailers (specifically "workforce training community centers" meeting strict criteria) to keep 75% of sales tax revenue collected after their first $1 million in annual sales. These retailers must use the retained funds exclusively to provide job training and placement services for people facing barriers to employment, such as disabilities, criminal records, homelessness, or low education. The law requires certified organizations to serve at least three people per $10,000 retained, with an average of 2.25 successful job placements, and to monitor job retention for 90 days. Certification lasts three years, with renewal possible, and organizations must report usage to the state Department of Revenue.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 601 authorizes medical parole for West Virginia inmates with terminal illnesses, medical incapacity, or geriatric conditions (defined as age 55+ with chronic health issues requiring daily assistance). It creates a formal process where inmates or their representatives can submit a petition including a detailed medical parole plan outlining diagnosis, treatment, care location, and financial coverage. Correctional superintendents must review petitions within 72 hours of a terminal illness diagnosis and develop a plan if missing, with the commissioner making the final decision. This policy directly affects eligible incarcerated individuals meeting the defined medical criteria, offering a structured pathway for release based on health needs rather than traditional parole.