Sen. Mark Maynard

Maddy summarySJR 9 proposes amending West Virginia's constitution to require all voters to be U.S. citizens. It would change the voting eligibility rule to state: "Only citizens of the state who are citizens of the United States shall be entitled to vote at all elections." This would affect all voters in West Virginia elections by eliminating current exceptions allowing non-citizen residents to vote in certain local elections. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 691 amends West Virginia law to regulate how public utilities (like electric, gas, and telecom companies) must relocate their lines on state highway rights-of-way during road construction projects. It requires the Division of Highways to provide utilities with written notice (up to 18 months in advance) to remove or adjust lines, and mandates specific procedures for utilities to submit plans and work schedules. The bill also establishes a reimbursement process: if a utility lacks staff or resources to relocate lines itself, the Division of Highways may cover relocation costs using state road funds, with the utility repaying the state within two years. This directly affects utility companies and highway project timelines, ensuring clearer coordination and cost-sharing during infrastructure work.

Maddy summarySB 773 would require the West Virginia Department of Health to propose rules adding alpha-gal syndrome to the list of diseases that must be reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alpha-gal syndrome causes allergic reactions to red meat and is often triggered by tick bites. If enacted, healthcare providers in West Virginia would be required to report confirmed cases of this condition to the state health department, which would then share the data with the CDC. This change would improve public health tracking of alpha-gal syndrome cases in the state.

Maddy summarySB 805 adds "abortion pill reversal" to West Virginia's Mothers and Babies Pregnancy Support Program, allowing funding for this service through eligible pregnancy help organizations. The bill defines "abortion pill reversal" as using progesterone to counteract the abortion pill (mifepristone) and specifies that only organizations that do not support or perform abortions can receive program funds for this purpose. Abortion industry organizations are explicitly excluded from receiving these funds. This is a procedural change to the existing program's funding eligibility, not a new law restricting abortion access.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 6, 2026, as Mingo County Day at the West Virginia Legislature to recognize the county's history and contributions to the state. It acknowledges Mingo County's unique heritage, including its formation in 1895, coal mining legacy, and significant historical events like the Mine Wars and Battle of Matewan. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy of the document to the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce. This measure is a commemorative recognition with no changes to laws, budgets, or government operations.

Maddy summarySB 929, the "Taxpayer Transparency in Education Act," requires West Virginia county school boards to publish detailed annual financial statements within 120 days of each fiscal year. These statements must disclose all expenditures over $250 to individuals or firms, debts, school personnel pay, and budget estimates, either as legal ads or on public websites. County boards failing to submit these reports within 90 days face a State Auditor noncompliance notice, and after 60 days of noncompliance, they lose access to discretionary state education funds. The bill directly affects all 55 county school boards by mandating greater financial transparency for taxpayers.

Maddy summarySB 669 clarifies when West Virginia's Public Service Commission (PSC) can approve utility rate increases and requires a biennial review of these increases. It directly affects utilities, particularly small municipal water/sewer systems serving fewer than 4,500 customers or with under $3 million in annual revenue, and their wholesale/resale customers. Key provisions include: a 30-day window for customers to file rate complaints after municipal changes, a 120-day resolution deadline for the PSC, and a requirement that rate increases must be supported by evidence showing costs are fairly matched to benefits received by customers. The bill also restricts the PSC from ordering refunds for rates collected during complaint proceedings unless specific refund conditions apply.

Maddy summarySB 540 requires Child Protective Services (CPS) workers in West Virginia to wear body-worn cameras during investigations of child abuse or neglect, but only after obtaining consent from the person being investigated in private settings where privacy is expected. CPS workers may skip using the camera if it would compromise a child's privacy or hinder the investigation, but they must document the reason in the case file. All audio and video recordings must be kept confidential, stored until all appeals are resolved, and treated as part of the official child welfare record, not subject to public disclosure. This bill directly affects CPS workers and individuals involved in child welfare investigations.

Maddy summarySB 981 imposes a one-year pause (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027) on the Public Service Commission approving new rate increases for electric, natural gas, and water utilities serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers in West Virginia. It allows the Commission to reduce rates, disallow costs, or approve refunds during this period but prohibits new rate hikes. The bill requires a comprehensive study of methods to lower utility rates and mandates a report on findings and recommendations. This directly affects utilities and their customers by temporarily halting rate increases while evaluating long-term affordability solutions.

Maddy summarySB 1024 (2026 West Virginia Senate Bill) allows county school boards to reverse decisions closing public schools for the upcoming school year, provided the reversal occurs by July 15. The bill requires county boards to vote by majority at a public meeting, document the decision in minutes, and notify state education officials. If reversed, the school remains open, and the board must restore staffing, student assignments, transportation, and budgets. This applies to any school closure decision made prior to July 15 and does not require boards to reverse closures or change existing closure procedures. The bill directly affects county school boards and the schools, students, families, and staff impacted by closure decisions.