Sen. Scott Fuller

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 summarySB 864 clarifies that in burglary prosecutions under West Virginia law, a person unlawfully entering or remaining in a dwelling may be legally inferred to have intended to commit a crime against a person or property. The bill specifically amends Section 61-3-11 of the West Virginia Code to define this inference clearly, directly affecting prosecutors and courts handling burglary cases. It does not change penalties (1-15 years imprisonment) or expand who can be charged, but streamlines how intent is proven. The key change replaces vague language with explicit wording that unlawful entry alone can support an intent inference. This provides clearer guidance for judges and juries during burglary trials.

Maddy summarySB 944 creates the West Virginia Child First Advisory Committee to evaluate and improve the state's child welfare system. The committee, composed of DHS officials, child welfare experts appointed by the governor, legislative members, and court representatives, will assess child abuse/neglect cases, foster care, adoption processes, and system efficiency. It must issue annual reports by January 1st with recommendations for reducing child removal rates, improving family reunification, and enhancing system transparency. The bill also establishes a dedicated fund (administered by DHS) to support these improvements, funded by state appropriations and federal resources.

Maddy summarySB 723 requires clinical inpatient medical treatment centers for substance use disorder in West Virginia to meet specific standards. Centers must ensure at least 85% of patients are West Virginia residents (verified quarterly), provide an integrated care model (including dental checkups, routine health screenings, and overdose prevention), and transition 100% of graduates to aftercare (with at least 70% placed in certified recovery residences). The bill mandates quarterly reporting to the Office of the Inspector General on patient demographics, placement rates, medication continuity, job readiness assistance, and dental services. Centers must also document barriers to job entry and help patients obtain identification documents before discharge.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests the West Virginia Division of Highways rename bridge number 12-028/07-012.02 (locally known as Weimer Bridge) in Grant County as the "Becker Brothers - Eugene and Kermit Becker Memorial Bridge." It specifies the bridge's location (carrying CR 028/07 over North Fork Lunice Creek) and requires the Division of Highways to install new signage identifying the memorial name. The bill is procedural and commemorative, with no substantive policy changes beyond the bridge naming and signage. It passed both legislative chambers on April 3, 2025.

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 726 requires all West Virginia medication-assisted treatment (MAT) centers licensed or registered under state law to adopt an "integrated-care model" by July 1, 2026. This model mandates onsite medical services - including routine health screenings, STD testing, vaccinations, basic illness treatment, and overdose prevention - alongside addiction counseling, all provided by licensed professionals during center hours. Centers must also obtain informed consent from patients at program entry and quarterly, with regular client assessments to support physical and mental well-being. An exemption applies to centers already following specific federal guidelines (like ASAM’s), requiring only consent and assessment compliance, while still referring patients to primary care every three months. The bill also mandates reporting to the Legislature on telehealth services and requires new rules defining professional standards for care providers.

Maddy summarySCR 23 is a resolution requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC). The study will examine the commission's mission, effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, accountability, and whether a performance evaluation would be appropriate. The committee must gather input from coaches, parents, and athletes and report findings to the 2026 legislative session. The WVSSAC manages high school sports and activities, funded by ticket sales and corporate sponsors rather than taxpayer money. This resolution follows concerns about the commission's operations that prompted a similar reform bill with over 20 sponsors.

Maddy summarySB 646 increases the number of days West Virginia county school boards can use alternative instruction methods (like remote assignments) during weather-related or emergency closures from five to ten days per school year. These days count as full instructional days toward the state’s 180-day requirement, directly affecting county boards (which must get state approval for their plans), teachers (who assign work), and students (who receive instruction during closures). The bill also prohibits using non-instructional "out-of-calendar" days to make up for lost instructional time. This change aims to ensure schools meet minimum instructional requirements without requiring in-person attendance on closure days.

Maddy summarySB 943 clarifies that apiaries (beekeeping operations) are protected agricultural activities under West Virginia law. The bill amends the Code to explicitly state that beekeeping and honeybee colonies are agricultural operations regulated by the Commissioner of Agriculture, directly affecting beekeepers and agricultural regulations. Key provisions include legislative findings that pollinator decline threatens agriculture, that beekeeping supports the economy and food security, and that apiaries are critical to agricultural operations relying on pollinators. This legal clarification ensures apiaries are treated as agricultural operations for regulatory purposes, not subject to conflicting classifications. The bill does not create new regulations but formally recognizes existing beekeeping practices within agricultural protections.