Maddy summarySB 803 requires that rules governing data centers operated by utility companies must undergo legislative review by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee, removing a previous exemption that allowed such rules to bypass this process. The bill defines "data center" as a facility storing computing hardware and states legislative concerns about opaque energy deals for these facilities that could raise electricity rates for consumers. It amends existing law to ensure data center regulations follow standard rule-making procedures, aligning them with other utility regulations. This change focuses on increasing transparency in how utility companies structure data center energy contracts, without setting new rates or directly altering consumer rates.
Sponsored bills
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 797 establishes the Public Water System Supply Study Commission to examine key aspects of West Virginia's public water systems. The commission, composed of 12 members including government appointees, industry representatives, and experts in engineering, hydrology, and public health, will study source water protection plans, emergency response to contamination, funding for infrastructure projects, and recommendations from past incidents like the 2008 Bayer Crop Science spill. It must submit annual reports to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance starting December 2014, focusing on improving water system infrastructure, safety, and supply reliability. The commission is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2019.
Maddy summarySB 681 gives West Virginia's Public Service Commission (PSC) authority to regulate internet service providers (ISPs), directly affecting ISPs operating in the state and their customers. The bill requires ISPs to provide safe, adequate, and reliable service under fair terms, and empowers the PSC to handle customer complaints about poor service quality or unfair pricing. ISPs that violate PSC orders face fines up to $7,000 per violation, with enforcement possible through court action. The law specifies that PSC authority operates within federal law limits and allows the commission to create implementing rules.
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 summarySB 762, the "Creating Support for Neglected Schools Act," proposes a funding mechanism to support school construction and major improvements in West Virginia. It would allocate up to 10% of available state funds for the School Building Authority to finance projects meeting statewide educational needs, including vocational programs at high schools and community college partnerships. The bill requires schools to submit approved 10-year facility plans before receiving funds and mandates that the authority consider all other funding sources for proposed projects. It also sets aside 2% of funds as an emergency reserve for urgent facility needs. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Education Committee.
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 516 provides additional state funding to West Virginia school districts for students attending "extremely remote schools," defined as schools in counties with a student population density below five students per square mile. The bill increases the funding calculation by counting each student in such schools as 2.5 students instead of one for state aid purposes. County school boards receiving this extra funding are prohibited from closing an extremely remote school during the fiscal year they receive the aid. The bill also requires school districts to submit specific documentation and meet reporting requirements to qualify for the additional funding.
Maddy summarySB 21 requires operators of wind power projects in West Virginia to pay a wildlife impact fee if their wind turbines injure or kill protected birds (like eagles, hawks, and bats) or bats. The fee, paid to the Division of Natural Resources, funds the Wildlife Endowment Fund for conservation efforts such as habitat management and education. The bill explicitly states that such wildlife injuries or deaths do not constitute criminal violations under state law. It defines "wind turbine and tower and related components" broadly to cover all parts of wind projects posing collision risks to wildlife.
Maddy summarySB 618 changes how farm property is valued for West Virginia property taxes, allowing reduced tax assessments for qualifying farmland. It requires the Tax Commissioner to appraise farm property based on its value for farming use (considering expected rental income) rather than its potential non-farming value. This applies to farmers and corporate landowners who annually produce at least $20,000 in agricultural products, regardless of whether farming is their primary business. The bill directly affects property owners who meet this threshold, potentially lowering their tax burden by aligning assessments with agricultural productivity.