Sen. Mark Maynard

Maddy summarySB 851, the Child Protection Investigations Reform Act, requires West Virginia’s Department of Human Services to provide clear, written summaries and verbal notifications to parents or legal custodians accused of child abuse or neglect during investigations. The written summary explains investigation procedures, the right to file complaints, access records (unless safety is at risk), and legal counsel options, all in plain language the person understands. Verbally, it must also inform individuals of their Fourth Amendment rights, including the right to refuse interviews without a lawyer, withhold medical records, and consult an attorney before agreeing to safety plans. The bill applies only to investigations initiated on or after July 1, 2025, and does not change existing legal standards for reporting abuse.

Maddy summarySB 841 prohibits all West Virginia state government entities - including public schools, universities, healthcare facilities, and social services offices - from promoting, facilitating, or funding any discussions, programs, or medical procedures related to sexual orientation or gender transitioning. The bill bans state funds for gender transition treatments (like hormone therapy or puberty blockers), restricts school materials discussing gender identity, and prohibits staff from engaging in related training or curriculum. Violations could result in employee termination, funding suspension, or lawsuits by West Virginia residents. This directly affects state-funded institutions and their educational, medical, and administrative activities.

Maddy summarySB 472 requires the West Virginia Department of Human Services to make public reports of child abuse or neglect through the newly created Critical Incident Review Team, replacing current confidentiality rules. It mandates that the public access these reports in the same format as the team’s existing reporting, adds specific data to the child welfare dashboard, and allows the Foster Care Ombudsman access to case information - including reporter identities. The bill amends existing laws (§49-2-809, §49-5-101, and §49-11-101) to enable this transparency while maintaining confidentiality for certain sensitive details. It directly affects the Department of Human Services (which must implement the changes), the public (who gains access to reports), and child welfare stakeholders. The law creates the Critical Incident Review Team to oversee this process and sets reporting requirements for the department.

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 summarySB 792 would require drivers in West Virginia to stop at railroad crossings when on-track railroad equipment (such as maintenance vehicles) is present or approaching, extending current safety rules that already apply to trains. Drivers must stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the rail and not proceed until safe, mirroring the requirements for approaching trains. Violating this rule would be a misdemeanor punishable by a $100 fine, up to 10 days in jail, or 3 points added to the driver's license. The bill aims to enhance safety by treating on-track equipment as a hazard equivalent to a train.

Maddy summarySB 795 defines "maintenance vehicle" as any vehicle used by state, local, or private companies for public highway or bridge maintenance. It requires drivers to slow down and, if safe, move over when approaching stationary maintenance vehicles displaying warning lights (like amber or red). Violations can result in fines up to $500, license suspensions (ranging from 90 days for property damage to 2 years for fatalities), or jail time. This bill directly affects all drivers on West Virginia highways, creating new obligations for approaching road crews and emergency vehicles. The bill is pending in the Senate Transportation and Judiciary committees.

Maddy summarySB 793 requires all West Virginia state agencies (except the State Police) to submit a Flight Request Form certifying the purpose of any flight using state-owned aircraft before the flight occurs. The Aviation Division must publish a public online log of all flights, including flight purpose, updated at least every four weeks. This bill directly affects state agencies that operate or request the use of state-owned aircraft by adding mandatory pre-flight certification and public reporting requirements. The key mechanism ensures transparency by making flight purposes and usage publicly accessible through a regularly updated online log.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two new wildlife viewing stamps: a "Class WV" stamp for West Virginia residents and a "Class WVV" stamp for nonresidents. These stamps, sold in addition to existing hunting or fishing licenses, allow permit holders to view wildlife on state-owned property (including roads and fire roads) in regular vehicles - excluding UTVs/ATVs - without needing separate permits. Revenue from stamp sales will fund wildlife programs and must be set by the Division of Natural Resources with legislative approval. The stamps do not apply to Coopers Rock or Kanawha State Forests.

Maddy summarySB 754, the "Outdoor West Virginians with Disabilities Act," requires West Virginia state land managers to update travel plans and ensure public lands meet accessibility standards. It defines "disability-accessible land" as areas with at least 2.5 miles of accessible roads per square mile for motorized vehicles or off-road vehicles. The bill mandates that road closures cannot reduce accessibility below this standard unless for safety emergencies, and requires agencies to prioritize accessible routes for recreation like hiking, fishing, and camping. This directly affects the Division of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, and people with disabilities seeking accessible outdoor recreation on state-managed forests and natural areas.