Sen. Mike Woelfel

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 561 enacts uniform rules for "special deposits" - funds held in restricted accounts for specific purposes, such as escrow or client funds. It standardizes procedures for managing, releasing, and reporting these deposits across financial institutions and state agencies. The law directly affects banks, credit unions, and government entities handling such accounts. Signed into law by the governor on April 30, 2025, it became effective on August 8, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 747, titled "Relating to Real Estate License Act," became law on April 25, 2025 (Chapter 43, Acts, Regular Session, 2025). The bill modifies provisions related to real estate licensing but the specific policy changes or affected parties are not detailed in the provided context. As no bill text or explanatory summary was included, the exact mechanisms or direct impacts cannot be described. This summary is limited to the confirmed legislative status and title.

Maddy summarySB 35 allows campus police officers at public colleges and universities to join the Deputy Sheriffs Retirement System, expanding their retirement benefits eligibility. This policy change directly affects campus law enforcement staff by enabling them to participate in a state-run retirement plan previously available only to sheriffs' deputies. The bill amends the retirement system's rules to include campus police officers as eligible members, providing them with standardized retirement benefits. The law became effective upon the governor's approval on April 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 458, the Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act of 2025, allows licensed professionals from other states to obtain West Virginia licenses without retaking exams if they meet specific criteria. It directly affects licensed professionals (excluding lawyers and those under federal oversight) who either reside in West Virginia or are married to active-duty military members stationed there. Key provisions require applicants to hold an active, unrevoked license in another state at the same practice level, meet comparable education/work standards, have no disciplinary history, and pay state fees. The law does not create interstate compacts, and licenses issued under this bill are valid only in West Virginia. Boards must prominently display notices about this provision on all licensing applications and websites.

Maddy summarySB 22 requires oil and natural gas leaseholders to pay royalties to landowners as specified in their leases, applying penalties for nonpayment. It directly affects energy companies and individuals who lease mineral rights to extract oil or gas. The key provision adds financial penalties for leaseholders who fail to remit royalties on time, ensuring timely payments to landowners. This law changes the enforcement mechanism for royalty payments under existing lease agreements. It became effective May 1, 2025, without the Governor's signature.

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 615 eliminates a requirement for certain taxpayers to pay state taxes earlier than the standard deadline. The bill repeals the specific provision that mandated accelerated payments, allowing affected taxpayers to follow the regular payment schedule instead. This change directly impacts businesses and individuals who previously faced early payment obligations under the repealed rule. Now effective as Chapter 224 of the 2025 regular session, the law removes this administrative requirement without altering tax rates or filing deadlines.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for assaulting or battering athletic officials or participants in West Virginia. It classifies such acts as misdemeanors with specific fines ($250-$500 for assault, $500-$1,000 for battery) and jail terms (5-6 months for assault, 10-12 months for battery). School boards can ban convicted offenders from all school sports events for at least one year, requiring written notice of the ban. Violating this ban is treated as trespassing under existing law.