Sen. Mike Woelfel

Maddy summarySB 457 restricts student cell phone use in West Virginia public schools during instructional time, applying to all K-12 students. The bill requires phones to be physically stored in backpacks, lockers, or classroom pouches with ringers silenced, and prohibits headphones/earbuds in class. Smartwatches are permitted but cannot be used for communication during lessons. Exceptions include emergencies, ADA compliance, and non-instructional periods like lunch. The State Board of Education must create implementing rules within 90 days.

Maddy summarySB 461 creates a single online "Permitting Dashboard" in West Virginia to streamline applications for business, construction, and infrastructure permits. It requires participating state agencies (like Agriculture, Environment, and Commerce) to process qualifying permits through this unified portal by July 1, 2026, allowing applicants to apply, pay fees, track status, and access permits electronically. The bill mandates refunds for applicants if agencies miss processing deadlines for permits, and includes a "fast-track" option for expedited processing with an additional fee. This directly affects businesses and individuals seeking permits across multiple state departments, aiming to simplify and speed up the permitting process.

Maddy summarySB 452 reorganizes West Virginia's executive branch by merging the Department of Economic Development into the Department of Commerce and abolishing the Department of Arts, Culture, and History (transferring its functions to the Department of Tourism). Starting July 1, 2025, new hires and employees moving positions in the Department of Commerce, Department of Homeland Security (excluding State Police), and Department of Tourism will be placed in a "classified exempt service system," exempting them from state grievance procedures. The bill also redesignates the Division of Economic Development under Commerce, corrects department titles in the code, and grants the Tourism Secretary authority over transferred sections and commissions. This directly affects state employees in these departments by changing their personnel classification and grievance rights.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 3) 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 also permit the state legislature to create regulations for cannabis sales and manufacturing, and require courts to dismiss or expunge prior convictions for possessing two ounces or less of cannabis. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect. If passed, it would change West Virginia's legal framework for cannabis but does not immediately legalize it.

Maddy summarySB 111 requires all West Virginia correctional facilities, regional jails, and juvenile detention centers to provide free tampons and sanitary napkins to female inmates and female juveniles in custody during menstruation. It mandates that facilities deliver these products within eight hours of a request, ensuring access as soon as practicable during menstrual cycles. The bill defines key terms like "feminine hygiene products," "menstruation," and "female" to align with existing legal definitions. This policy directly affects incarcerated women and girls by guaranteeing access to essential hygiene items at no cost.

Maddy summarySB 101 requires autopsies requested by prosecutors or judges in criminal cases to be completed within 72 hours and mandates that autopsy reports be provided to prosecutors within 24 hours of completion. This bill directly affects medical examiners' offices, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies handling death investigations. Key provisions establish strict timeframes for conducting autopsies and sharing reports, while also specifying who can perform autopsies (chief medical examiners or designated pathologists) and under what circumstances reports may be shared with hospitals or physicians for quality review. The bill aims to expedite criminal investigations by ensuring timely access to autopsy findings.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 186 (SB 186) would increase witness fees in West Virginia courts to match current federal rates. Specifically, it would raise the daily attendance fee from $10-$20 to $40 per day and adjust mileage reimbursement to align with the state’s standard rate for employees using personal vehicles (currently 15 cents per mile, but now tied to the state’s official travel rate). This change directly affects witnesses summoned to testify in West Virginia state courts, excluding grand jury and justices of the peace proceedings. The bill aims to standardize compensation for witnesses appearing in state court with the federal system, ensuring parity for those traveling for court appearances.

Maddy summarySB 18 would allow West Virginia county commissions to impose a tax on admission to public entertainment venues (like theaters, concerts, or amusement parks) for private profit. The tax rate cannot exceed 2% of the admission price (or 1 cent minimum), excludes state-regulated lotteries, and must be collected by sellers and added to the ticket price. County ordinances would need to outline how the tax is collected and paid to the county. This would directly affect businesses charging admission fees and counties seeking new revenue sources, but would not apply in cities already taxing such activities under existing law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable state tax credit for West Virginia residents with childcare expenses, directly affecting low-to-mid-income families who claim childcare costs on their federal tax returns. It provides credits equal to 50% of the federal childcare credit for households earning $30,000 or less, 30% for $30,001-$45,000, and 20% for $45,001-$65,000, with no credit for incomes over $65,000. The credit is refundable - meaning excess credit amounts are paid as cash refunds rather than carried forward - and excludes those receiving state childcare assistance, except for unreimbursed out-of-pocket costs. To qualify, the child must be under 13 at year-end, and the credit is tied to the federal Form 2441.

Maddy summarySB 82 upgrades gross neglect of incapacitated adults to a felony, imposing penalties of up to $3,000 in fines and 5 years in prison for reckless or intentional neglect that risks serious harm or death. It removes the requirement of proving "malice" for felony charges when a caregiver’s actions cause an incapacitated adult’s death, making such cases prosecutable as felonies without needing to prove intentional harm. The bill directly affects caregivers (including facilities) responsible for vulnerable adults aged 18+ who cannot perform daily life activities due to age, physical, or mental infirmity. Penalties increase based on severity, with higher fines and longer prison terms for causing serious injury or death compared to current misdemeanor standards.