Maddy summaryThis bill, SB 216 (Restoring Private Schools Act of 2026), clarifies and updates requirements for private, parochial, and church schools in West Virginia. It mandates these schools to maintain attendance and immunization records, comply with fire/safety inspections, and establish crisis plans. The key provision requires all such schools to administer annually a nationally normed standardized test (matching public school grade/subject requirements) with participation rates equal to public schools, while allowing special education schools alternative assessment methods. Schools must share test results with parents and the state education department upon request. The bill preserves schools' autonomy over curriculum and instruction but formalizes testing and recordkeeping standards.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 215, the West Virginia Constitutional Schools Act of 2026, requires public schools in West Virginia to implement daily prayer or meditation time, include a specific pledge honoring both U.S. and West Virginia flags, and provide students and parents with the state constitution for review. It mandates removing mandatory state "Next Generation" curriculum standards by the 2026/2027 school year, allowing districts to choose classical or locally developed standards instead. The bill also replaces statewide standardized testing with district-level testing choices, offers national assessments like the SAT or CLT for parents, and limits statewide testing to random samples for policy research. These changes directly affect all public K-12 schools in West Virginia beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.
Maddy summarySJR 12 proposes a constitutional amendment to eliminate West Virginia's tax on business inventory, which would prohibit the state from taxing goods, materials, or products held for sale, manufacturing, or processing. If approved by voters in the 2026 election, this amendment would require the state to replace lost revenue for counties, municipalities, and school districts through alternative funding mechanisms. The amendment specifies that local governments may adjust tax policies within state law to maintain fiscal stability after the tax is removed. This is a voter-approved constitutional change, not an immediate law, and would take effect upon ratification.
Maddy summarySB 17, the State Sovereignty Act of 2026, prohibits West Virginia and all its local governments - including counties, school districts, and health authorities - from enforcing or collaborating on mandates issued by the World Health Organization, the United Nations, or the World Economic Forum. The bill explicitly states that requirements from these international bodies, such as mask mandates, vaccine rules, medical testing, or data collection about residents, have no legal effect in the state. It ensures state laws and the constitution take precedence over such external directives, applying directly to all state and local entities. This law aims to prevent state compliance with international health or economic mandates that conflict with West Virginia's own legal framework.
Maddy summarySB 82 imposes a $3 tax per megawatt-hour on electricity produced from wind and solar sources for sale or trade in West Virginia, starting January 1, 2027. It applies to commercial producers at the point of interconnection with transmission lines, with exemptions for government facilities, personal consumption under 500 kWh daily, and new installations for the first three years of operation. Producers must report annual output by February 1 and pay taxes by the same date, facing penalties of up to 25% for late payment plus 12-18% annual interest. Revenue collected will be distributed to West Virginia counties based on the number of compliant volunteer fire departments, with counties then allocating funds directly to those departments.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 47 prohibits drag performances in public spaces where minors could attend, specifically banning them in schools, libraries, and other public properties. The bill defines "drag performance" as entertainment involving performers using clothing/makeup to exaggerate gender identity for prurient appeal, intended for audiences of at least two people. It prohibits adult-oriented businesses (including drag shows) from operating in locations accessible to minors and bans state funding for drag shows hosted by state agencies. The law directly affects venues like schools and libraries, as well as event organizers seeking state support. This bill amends West Virginia’s obscenity laws to add these specific restrictions.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 2) proposes a constitutional amendment to protect gun rights in West Virginia. It would add a new section to the state constitution stating that "a person has the right to keep and bear arms for defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use." The amendment specifically prohibits state, county, municipal, or local government restrictions on this right based on factors like ammunition capacity, caliber, carry method, or accessories. If approved by voters in the 2026 election, it would become "Amendment 1" to the West Virginia Constitution.
Maddy summarySB 154 prohibits digitally inserting an actual minor’s image into sexually explicit content to falsely depict the minor as participating in the conduct. It directly affects anyone who modifies photographs, videos, or recordings containing sexually explicit material by adding a visual image of a living or former minor (under 18 when the original image was taken). The bill creates a new felony offense punishable by up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. This law establishes a separate criminal penalty distinct from other offenses under West Virginia law.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 19 prohibits foreign governments and entities from designated countries (like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) from purchasing or acquiring title to real property in West Virginia, with key exceptions for U.S. citizens/residents, primary residences, and short-term leases (under 5 years). It requires existing foreign-owned properties to be sold within 180 days and mandates owners to file property details with the Department of Agriculture within 60 days. The West Virginia Attorney General enforces the law through investigations, court actions to divest property, and civil penalties. This bill directly affects foreign governments, entities controlled by them, and individuals from designated countries seeking to own real estate in West Virginia.
Maddy summaryThis bill redirects a portion of West Virginia's coal severance tax to the specific counties where coal is mined. Starting in 2012, it gradually increases the share sent to coal-producing counties (from 1% to 5% of the tax), with an annual cap of $20 million. Counties must use these funds exclusively for economic development or infrastructure projects like roads, broadband, mine reclamation, or water systems - barring personal services or bond costs. It ensures local communities directly benefit from coal extracted within their borders.