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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 939 requires medication-assisted treatment (MAT) facilities in West Virginia to implement a specific drug testing schedule for patients with substance use disorder. Upon admission, patients must undergo a comprehensive drug test, followed by direct observation tests every two weeks for six weeks, then every 45 days for one year, and every six months after that. Facilities must also allow providers to request tests at any time to assess treatment compliance. This bill directly affects patients in MAT programs and the facilities providing these services, establishing clear, time-based testing protocols to monitor treatment adherence.
Maddy summaryThis bill reallocates $41.1 million in unspent funds from the Department of Economic Development's existing "Site-Ready Projects, SEED, Vo-Tech and Workforce Investments" budget line to fund current fiscal year 2025 activities. It directs any remaining unexpended balance from the 2025 appropriation to continue funding these programs during fiscal year 2026. The bill directly affects the Department of Economic Development's workforce development and economic growth initiatives by redirecting existing unappropriated surplus funds. It does not create new funding but modifies how previously allocated money is spent.
Maddy summarySB 300 is West Virginia's 2026 state budget bill, allocating funds for all state agencies and operations from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. It defines how money must be spent by categorizing appropriations into key areas like salaries ("personal services"), employee benefits, equipment, and operating costs ("current expenses"), while requiring spending units to cover shortfalls in collected funds. The bill also establishes rules for transferring funds between state agencies (limited to 5% per agency) and ensures agencies using federal funds pay their share of insurance costs. This procedural budget bill affects all state departments and agencies by governing how they manage and spend public funds during the 2026 fiscal year.
Maddy summarySB 155 creates a framework for West Virginia counties to expand access to nutritious meals for students during school breaks, including summers. It requires each county public school system to conduct annual surveys of students about their food access when schools are closed, map community food resources (like local charities), and share this information with all students. Counties must also provide training for organizations running meal sites and share survey results with the state’s Child Nutrition Office. The bill removes prior requirements for schools to include specific food delivery plans in crisis response plans, instead encouraging voluntary, community-driven solutions. This affects all public school students in West Virginia counties and aims to reduce food insecurity during non-school periods.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 44) honoring basketball legend Jerry West, a native of West Virginia. It memorializes his life and legacy, recognizing his birth in Chelyan, West Virginia; his high school and college career at West Virginia University; his NBA playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers; and his contributions to basketball as a player, coach, and executive. The resolution also acknowledges his philanthropy, including the Jerry West Scholarship for WVU students. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a formal tribute expressing the Senate's respect and extending sympathy to his family.
Maddy summarySB 548 requires all public schools serving grades K-12 to provide annual evidence-based training on two topics: youth violence prevention (for grades 6-12) and social inclusion (for all K-12 students), each totaling at least one hour per school year. The West Virginia Department of Education must develop and maintain a publicly available list of approved, proven programs meeting specific criteria to fulfill these requirements. Schools may deliver training in-person, virtually, or digitally, and the bill allows (but does not require) schools to establish student-led violence prevention clubs. The law applies to public schools, with requirements being voluntary for public charter and nonpublic schools.
Maddy summarySB 54 requires all West Virginia public schools to provide age-appropriate Holocaust education starting in the sixth grade. The bill mandates instruction on the systematic annihilation of European Jews and other groups by Nazi Germany, as a "watershed event in human history," using guidance from the West Virginia Commission on Holocaust Education. Schools must teach this topic in a way that examines human behavior and promotes responsible, respectful citizenship. The instruction cannot be provided before sixth grade, applying directly to all public schools within the state.
Maddy summarySB 934 defines "low-proof spirit alcohol products" as canned beverages containing 0.5% to 15.5% alcohol by volume (31 proof), made by distilling and mixing with ingredients like seltzer, juice, or flavorings. This definition directly affects manufacturers, retailers, and regulators by clarifying which products fall under this specific category under West Virginia's alcohol laws. The bill does not create new sales rules or restrictions but establishes a clear regulatory category for these canned, low-alcohol beverages. It amends existing definitions in the state's alcohol code to distinguish these products from beer, wine, and higher-proof spirits.
Maddy summarySB 690 allows West Virginia county commissions to increase pay for elected county officials - including county commissioners, sheriffs, clerks, assessors, and prosecutors - when property valuations rise significantly, justifying new duties. The bill requires two key steps: county auditors must certify improved fiscal health (including sufficient funds for salary increases and taxes), and officials must submit written requests for higher pay. It bases increases on property valuation changes, noting that higher valuations correlate with expanded responsibilities like public safety and economic development. The law ensures compliance with state constitutional limits on salary adjustments. This affects all counties and directly impacts the compensation of 12 specific elected county roles.