Maddy summarySB 99 requires West Virginia's child welfare agencies to implement two distinct response tracks for reports of child abuse and neglect: an investigation track for serious cases (like imminent danger) and a family assessment track focused on support and prevention for less severe situations. The bill mandates that the Bureau for Social Services create a screening system to determine which track applies, using tools that comply with existing law. It also clarifies how agencies must collect and retain data on these cases. This directly affects families reporting abuse/neglect, child welfare workers, and the Bureau for Social Services by changing how they respond to reports. The law aims to reduce unnecessary family separations while ensuring serious safety threats are addressed promptly.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires West Virginia correctional facilities to provide free feminine hygiene products (tampons and sanitary napkins) to female inmates and juvenile detainees upon request. Specifically, facilities must supply these products at no cost within eight hours of a request, directly affecting all female prisoners in state jails, regional jails, and correctional facilities, as well as female juveniles in detention centers. The law amends existing statutes to mandate this provision, ensuring access without financial barriers for menstrual care. It does not alter existing fee structures for other medical services but explicitly exempts feminine hygiene products from inmate charges.
Maddy summarySB 120 would allow West Virginia residents who receive tips in their job (such as servers or bartenders) to deduct those tips from their state income tax. The bill defines "qualified tips" as cash, credit card, or check tips reported to an employer, and creates a state tax deduction for these amounts. This deduction would lower taxable income for state tax purposes but only applies to tips not already deductible under federal tax rules. The change would take effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2027.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish term limits for West Virginia state senators and delegates. It would limit senators to three consecutive terms and delegates to six consecutive terms, applying only to terms beginning after the amendment is ratified by voters in the 2026 general election. Terms served before ratification are not counted toward the limit, but any partial term served after ratification counts as a full term. The amendment must be approved by voters to take effect, as it requires constitutional change.
Maddy summarySJR 6 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit terms for five West Virginia constitutional offices: Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, Commissioner of Agriculture, and Attorney General. It would prevent any person from serving more than two consecutive terms in any of these specific offices. The amendment requires voter approval at the 2026 general election and would take effect upon ratification, counting existing terms toward the two-term limit. This is a procedural constitutional change, not a direct law, and does not affect the Governor's term limits.
Maddy summarySB 127 provides a one-time $1,000 cost-of-living adjustment to retirees of West Virginia's Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) who received annual retirement annuities as of June 30, 2025. The payment must be fully distributed by June 30, 2026, and applies to both retirees and their surviving spouses or beneficiaries who receive annuities from these systems. The adjustment is subject to federal tax limits under Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code. This bill directly affects current retirees in these two systems, offering a fixed annual payment rather than an inflation-based adjustment.
Maddy summarySJR 5 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow adults 21 and older in West Virginia to possess up to two ounces of cannabis or four plants for personal use. It would authorize the state legislature to create regulations for cannabis sales and manufacturing, and require courts to dismiss or expunge prior convictions for possessing small amounts of cannabis. This amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election before taking effect. If approved, it would enable future legislation to establish a regulated cannabis market while clearing past minor cannabis-related records.
Maddy summarySB 121 requires that the full text of proposed constitutional amendments appear on official ballots in West Virginia elections, alongside the existing title and summary. This change directly affects voters who will see the complete wording of each amendment - including any struck-through or underlined language - rather than just a brief summary. The bill amends state law to mandate that ballot commissioners include the full text as it appears in the legislative resolution proposing the amendment. It does not alter voting procedures or election administration beyond this ballot requirement. This policy change aims to provide voters with complete information when deciding on constitutional amendments.
Maddy summarySB 123, known as The Alex Miller Law, requires that an ambulance be present at all middle school and high school football games under the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill specifies that if an ambulance must leave for an emergency, the game may continue without it. Schools and organizations must also comply with a posted emergency action plan and have trained personnel for defibrillators (already required by prior law), with liability protection for good-faith compliance. This law honors Alex Miller, a Roane County football player who died during a game in 2018.
Maddy summarySB 103 would allow any West Virginian to sue if their rights under the state constitution or state law are violated by a government official or entity acting under state authority. The bill permits lawsuits seeking compensatory, nominal, and punitive damages, and requires courts to award attorney fees and court costs to the winning party. This law directly affects individuals who believe their rights were denied and state or local government actors who could face such legal claims.