Sen. Craig Hart

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 23) designates February 2, 2026, as "Future Farmers of America Day" at the West Virginia Legislature. It recognizes the history and impact of the National FFA Organization, including its founding in 1928 and its current role serving over 7,489 students across 91 agricultural education programs in West Virginia. The resolution has been adopted by the Senate and directs the Clerk to send a copy to the West Virginia Farm Bureau. It is a ceremonial resolution with no new policy or funding provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits West Virginia's Public Service Commission from approving utility rate increases that include costs for intermittent power sources like solar or wind energy. It specifically blocks the Commission from considering construction, operation, maintenance, or decommissioning costs for facilities relying solely on variable energy sources (defined as those dependent on weather and not fully controllable). Existing contracts signed before the law takes effect are exempt, but new expansions or commitments to such projects cannot be included in rate hikes. The bill also requires the Commission to submit an annual report to the Legislature assessing the law's impact on energy rates, reliability, and affordability.

Maddy summarySB 424, the Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026, would amend West Virginia law to streamline regulations for coal-based electricity generation and coke production (used in steelmaking) by requiring state agencies to simplify permitting processes. The bill directs the Department of Economic Development to lead efforts in promoting these industries, with the goal of leveraging the state's metallurgical coal resources to boost economic growth. It states that developing these sectors would improve economic opportunities, stabilize electricity prices, and strengthen West Virginia's competitiveness with neighboring states. The legislation aims to address regulatory barriers that have hindered coal-related projects compared to other states.

Maddy summarySB 131 creates a tax credit against West Virginia's severance tax for businesses that make qualifying investments in road/highway infrastructure improvements or coal production/processing facilities. It directly affects coal industry businesses and infrastructure developers in coal-producing regions by allowing them to reduce their severance tax liability. The credit covers costs for labor, materials, and real property improvements tied to certified road projects or coal facilities, with applications required through the Transportation Secretary. Unused credits can be carried forward, and the credit may be transferred to successors. This policy aims to incentivize private investment in infrastructure and coal sector capital projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts registered on-farm manufacturers from needing commercial feed manufacturing, distributor, or guarantor permits. It directly affects farmers who produce and sell feed on their own farms (after registering with the state), excluding those making feed only for their own animals. The key provision removes requirements for reports, fees, and brand-name registrations for these registered producers. This simplifies regulations for small-scale feed production while maintaining oversight through the registration process.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates October 14 as "Charlie Kirk Day" in West Virginia to honor the late conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder (born October 14, 1993), who was fatally shot in 2025 while defending free speech. It encourages annual community observances through educational programs and discussions on free speech and conservative principles, without creating new laws or affecting policy. The resolution was adopted by the West Virginia Senate on January 29, 2026.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 612 designates November 7 as "Victims of Communism Day" for public schools, requiring high school students in the mandated U.S. Government class to receive at least 45 minutes of annual instruction on this topic. The bill specifies instruction must cover historical communist regimes (including Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution, Stalin's Soviet system, and others) and how victims suffered through poverty, violence, and suppression. It directs the State Board of Education to revise social studies standards by April 2026 to include these requirements. The observance applies to all public schools, with make-up days if November 7 falls on a non-school day. This bill directly affects West Virginia public school students and educators in required U.S. Government courses.

Maddy summarySB 528 would make permanent daylight saving time (currently observed in summer) the official time for all West Virginia public schools, colleges, government agencies, and businesses. It specifies this time would apply year-round starting March 2nd and ending November 1st, aligning with current daylight saving schedules. However, the bill explicitly states it would only take effect if Congress passes federal legislation allowing states to observe daylight saving time permanently. This bill is conditional and does not change current time practices until federal approval is secured.

Maddy summarySB 76 would exempt coal sold to coal-fired power plants located within West Virginia from the state's 5% severance tax. This directly affects coal producers who sell thermal coal (used for electricity generation) to in-state power plants, reducing their tax burden on these specific sales. The bill amends existing law to create this exemption, removing the tax that would otherwise apply to coal sold for electricity generation at facilities operating in West Virginia. The change would provide immediate tax savings for coal producers supplying local power plants, without altering other severance tax rates or provisions.

Maddy summarySB 503 requires all West Virginia state office buildings and individual agency offices to display the national motto "In God We Trust" in a visible, conspicuous location. The display must be durable, at least 8.5x11 inches, and may include the U.S. flag but no other text or imagery. State funds cannot be used for this display; agencies may only accept private donations. The law, effective July 1, 2026, applies to all state buildings used for official business. It does not change the motto itself but mandates its physical display in specified locations.