Sen. Mike Woelfel

Maddy summaryThis bill increases salaries for West Virginia judges and certain judicial staff starting July 1, 2026. It raises the annual salary for Supreme Court justices to $154,600 (from $149,600), circuit court judges to $143,600 (from $138,600), and family court judges to $113,950 (from $103,950). It also adjusts pay for family court secretary-clerks and case coordinators, with secretary-clerks receiving $44,876 annually and case coordinators capped at $56,876. The bill suspends employer contributions to the judicial retirement system until specific conditions are met.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a $5,000 salary increase to state mine inspectors, including electrical, underground, and surface mine inspectors, effective upon enactment. It directly affects these specific inspectors by adding a fixed monetary amount to their base salaries without altering their duties or qualifications. The provision applies uniformly to all inspectors covered under the relevant chapter of the state code.

Maddy summarySB 553 allows West Virginia contractors to transfer their license to an immediate family member (spouse, child, sibling, or parent) without requiring the family member to pass a licensing exam. To qualify, the family member must have been actively involved in the business or employ someone who meets the board's minimum qualifications for contractors. The bill also permits transfers within one year of a contractor's death or permanent incapacity. Transferred licenses remain valid only if the family member continues as the business's principal owner, partner, or corporate officer. This change updates licensing rules to facilitate family business succession.

Maddy summarySB 228 establishes a two-county pilot program requiring child protective services workers in West Virginia to use mobile devices (like tablets) during child abuse and neglect investigations. The bill mandates that these devices must create digital records in real time, automatically upload data daily to department servers, and meet specific technical requirements for security and interoperability with existing systems. The pilot, starting October 2027, requires mobile technology use in at least 70% of cases in the participating counties and runs for five years. The Department of Human Services must report annually on the program’s progress to the Legislative Oversight Commission.

Maddy summarySB 194 updates the definition of "disabled veteran taxpayer" in West Virginia's property tax law to clarify eligibility for the disabled veteran real property tax credit. The bill specifies that a qualifying veteran must have a 90% or greater service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or meet VA eligibility for individual unemployability due to service-related injuries since September 11, 2001. This change directly affects veterans seeking the property tax credit, ensuring only those with the required VA determinations qualify. The bill does not alter the tax credit amount or eligibility for other benefits, focusing solely on refining the definition for administrative clarity.

Maddy summarySB 402 expands West Virginia's apprenticeship tax credit to $2 per hour (capped at $2,000 annually per apprentice) for wages paid to registered apprentices in construction trades, directly benefiting employers and apprentices. It creates a new West Virginia Micro-Credential Program under the Higher Education Policy Commission to support workforce training. The bill also modifies tax rules to allow deductions for contributions to and receipts from voluntary portable benefits plans, and removes proficiency exam requirements for military-trained applicants seeking professional licenses. These changes aim to increase workforce participation and simplify licensing for veterans.

Maddy summarySB 643 repeals all sections of West Virginia law (§3-12-1 through §3-12-16) that established the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Public Campaign Financing Program. The bill directly discontinues a program that provided public funding to candidates running for the state Supreme Court. Key provisions include removing all legal references to this financing mechanism, effectively ending the program's operation. This is a procedural repeal with no new funding or requirements added.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies insurance coverage rules for drivers using vehicles provided by businesses that sell, repair, lease, or service motor vehicles. It establishes that the driver's personal auto insurance will be primary coverage, while the business's insurance acts as secondary coverage when the vehicle is used as a replacement while the driver's own car is being repaired or serviced. The change applies only when no additional payment is made for the vehicle's use and the driver has the business owner's permission. An exception exists for employees using company vehicles during work hours, where the business's insurance remains primary.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia Senate Bill 4 creates a new law requiring people to stay at least 30 feet away from first responders (including police, firefighters, probation officers, and emergency medical personnel) while they are lawfully performing duties. It makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly approach within 30 feet after being verbally warned, if the action impedes their work, threatens them, or harasses them (defined as causing substantial emotional distress without legitimate purpose). Violators face fines of $50-$500, up to one year in jail, or both. The bill directly affects individuals near emergency scenes and aims to protect responders from interference. It amends West Virginia Code §61-5-30.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 208) adds a new exemption to West Virginia's public records law, protecting specific military records from public release. It directly affects National Guard personnel and agencies by shielding classified information related to national security, terrorism response plans, intelligence shared with federal partners, and operational details like deployment locations or tactics. The key provision prevents disclosure of records that could endanger military personnel, threaten public safety, or provide an advantage to adversaries. The exemption applies to sensitive data maintained by the National Guard, Department of Defense, and homeland security agencies under state law.