Sen. Scott Fuller

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt private passenger automobiles that are 25 years old or older from West Virginia's personal property tax. It amends state tax code §11-3-9 to add these older vehicles to the list of property types already excluded from taxation. The change would directly affect owners of vintage and classic cars who currently pay this tax on their vehicles. The policy removes a specific tax burden for this category of personal property without altering other tax provisions.

Maddy summarySB 804 gives public charter schools direct control over all extracurricular activities for their students, replacing county board oversight. It allows charter schools to optionally delegate athletic and band activities to the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC), which would now be a state agency managing rules for competitive balance (including transfer counts) and handling disputes through its executive director. The bill removes a written permission requirement for homeschoolers, Hope Scholarship participants, and microschool students to join school activities, while modifying fees they pay. It also changes commission membership to include athletic directors (or their representatives) from schools that delegate authority, and shifts all commission funds to public funds.

Maddy summarySB 678, the "Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2025," directs West Virginia's Department of Economic Development to identify suitable sites for coal-fired electricity generation and coke production facilities. The bill aims to streamline state regulations and reduce delays for projects using West Virginia coal, specifically targeting sites near coal deposits, transmission infrastructure, and steel manufacturing facilities. It requires agencies to review and simplify permitting processes to support coal-based electricity and steel production, which the bill states will boost economic development and stabilize electricity prices. The legislation directly affects coal producers, steel manufacturers, and local communities near proposed facilities.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate resolution (SR 34), not a bill with binding policy changes. It expresses symbolic support for President Felix Tshisekedi and citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), condemning M23 rebel groups backed by Rwanda and calling for an immediate end to hostilities. The resolution specifically urges the cessation of violence, accountability for alleged crimes against humanity, and humanitarian aid. It does not create new laws or allocate funds; instead, it directs copies to federal officials and West Virginia's congressional delegation.

Maddy summarySB 764 requires West Virginia county school boards to provide parents with a formal process to review and potentially prevent school closures or consolidations. Before making a final decision, boards must prepare written reasons and impact statements (including data like student enrollment and facility conditions), share them with parents and school councils 30 days before a public hearing, and hold accessible hearings where community members can voice concerns. The bill mandates that school boards give significant weight to these impact statements and parent input when deciding on closures. This applies to all schools except those covered by prior voter-approved bond issues, and the law includes a 10-year expiration date.

Maddy summarySB 740, the Stop Squatters Act, establishes a new process for property owners to quickly remove unauthorized occupants (squatters) from residential or commercial properties. It allows owners or their agents to request immediate police removal if conditions are met (e.g., occupant isn’t a tenant/family member, owner previously demanded they leave, and no court case is pending). The bill also creates criminal penalties: misdemeanors for damaging property under $1,000 during unlawful occupation, felonies for greater damage, and felonies for falsely listing property for sale/rent without legal title. Property owners must submit a verified complaint, and the law includes a civil remedy if removal is wrongful.

Maddy summarySB 614 would allow West Virginia pharmacists to sell Ivermectin for human use without a prescription once the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves it for over-the-counter sale. The bill requires pharmacists to provide the FDA-approved patient information sheet at the time of sale and eliminates the need for a pharmacist consultation. It also protects pharmacists and healthcare providers from liability or disciplinary action for dispensing or recommending Ivermectin under these conditions, provided they act in good faith and follow applicable laws. This change would directly affect patients seeking Ivermectin and pharmacists operating in West Virginia.

Maddy summarySB 735 establishes the West Virginia Broadband Development Program (WVBDP) to expand broadband infrastructure across the state. It creates a state board to oversee funding, construction, and operation of broadband systems, with a focus on serving rural and underserved communities, schools, healthcare facilities, and businesses. Key provisions include authorizing revenue bonds for financing, exempting state highways from placement restrictions, and requiring annual audits to ensure proper use of funds. The program aims to improve access to high-speed internet for all West Virginians, supporting economic growth, remote work, and educational opportunities.

Maddy summarySB 566 provides tuition coverage for certified law enforcement officers in West Virginia pursuing education. It covers tuition and fees for one certificate, one undergraduate degree, one master's degree, and up to two doctorate degrees annually per officer, capped at the highest public university tuition rate. Officers must serve one year for every year of tuition covered or repay the costs. The program requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to set eligibility rules and administer payments, with reductions if officers receive other grants. It directly affects certified officers seeking education while serving in West Virginia.

Maddy summarySB 698 requires movie theater exhibitors operating six or more locations across multiple sites in West Virginia to provide open captioning for at least two showings per week of any film that includes open captioning in its production. It also mandates that theaters offer audio description upon request for films produced with audio description. The law excludes drive-in theaters and prohibits requiring exhibitors to purchase new equipment if it would create an undue burden or alter their business operations. This bill directly affects large theater chains in West Virginia, aiming to improve accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing moviegoers.