Sen. Mark Maynard

Maddy summarySB 1023 creates a "Responsible Recreation" special license plate for West Virginia vehicle owners, requiring a $50 initial fee and $25 annual renewal fee. Proceeds beyond administrative costs fund a special "Responsible Recreation Fund" managed by the Division of Natural Resources. The fund may only be used for ATV/UTV safety education, safety signage, volunteer stewardship programs on public roads/trails, and responsible recreation outreach - prohibiting land acquisition or general marketing. This directly affects license plate buyers and supports off-highway vehicle safety and environmental stewardship programs.

Maddy summarySB 1025 establishes a 10-year grace period for commercial drivers in West Virginia to reinstate their licenses without a medical retest after failing to maintain a current medical examiner's certificate. This directly affects commercial drivers who let their medical certification lapse but wish to continue operating commercial vehicles. The bill authorizes reinstatement without retesting under specific conditions while requiring compliance with federal commercial driver licensing standards. It also grants the state rule-making authority to implement these changes.

Maddy summarySB 1022 removes electrical transformers from the list of exempted aboveground storage tanks under West Virginia's regulatory framework. This change means transformers - commonly used in electrical systems - will now be subject to the same safety, inspection, and environmental compliance requirements as other aboveground storage tanks. The bill directly affects utility companies, industrial facilities, and property owners that operate or maintain electrical transformers. It modifies the existing definition in §22-30-3 by deleting the exemption previously listed under subsections (L) and (O), requiring transformers to meet all registration, notice, and signage rules under the Aboveground Storage Tank Act.

Maddy summarySB 1010 limits landowner liability when all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are operated for recreational purposes on private property under specific conditions. It defines "noncommercial recreational activity" to include ATV riding and sets a $50 annual charge cap per participant for such use - landowners cannot be held liable if this cap is not exceeded. The bill applies to landowners who allow recreational ATV use without charging more than $50 yearly per rider, excluding commercial operations or activities exceeding this limit. This change aims to protect landowners from lawsuits related to ATV accidents during permitted recreational use.

Maddy summarySB 988 requires West Virginia county school boards to submit annual staffing plans by May 1, detailing all covered employees (including teachers and support staff) by category, justification, and budget impact. The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) will then issue annual staffing recommendations and maximum funded allowances by April 1, based on enrollment, special education needs, and other objective criteria. County boards can request exceptions to these limits by submitting a written justification and funding plan, but must receive WVDE approval to hire above recommended levels. If a county exceeds the limit without approval, WVDE can order corrective actions like eliminating unfunded positions or suspending hiring until compliance is restored.

Maddy summarySB 753 establishes a formal Adopt-A-Road program in West Virginia, allowing individuals, groups, counties, or municipalities to volunteer for road maintenance. The program enables participants to provide labor, equipment, and materials for tasks like litter cleanup, pothole repair, or trail restoration on state-controlled roads. Participants must apply through the Division of Highways, sign an agreement, and follow safety rules, with the state covering up to 30% of material costs (100% for litter control using a dedicated fund). The bill also permits participants to display recognition signage at their project sites and requires all volunteers to indemnify the state against liability.

Maddy summarySR 42 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Walter Dolph Helmick, a former West Virginia state legislator and public servant. It memorializes his life and career, noting his service as a coal miner, teacher, businessman, Mason, West Virginia House of Delegates member, Senate member (1989-2013), and Commissioner of Agriculture. The resolution formally recognizes his contributions to West Virginia and extends condolences to his family following his death in 2025. As a non-binding memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or effect on legislation.

Maddy summarySB 948 would allow licensed concealed carry permit holders to carry firearms within West Virginia's Capitol Complex buildings and on its grounds, including surrounding streets and sidewalks. It requires permit holders to show their license upon request when entering buildings and prohibits firearms in the Governor's office and specific Supreme Court areas (third/fourth floors of the East wing). The bill also permits firearms in locked vehicles on Capitol property (if out of view) and restricts pepper spray containers to one ounce or less. This change applies only to individuals legally permitted to carry concealed firearms under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the distribution or prescription of "abortifacients" (drugs intended to cause abortion) within West Virginia. It directly affects licensed medical professionals (like doctors and pharmacists) and anyone distributing such drugs, with violations carrying felony penalties (3-10 years imprisonment) for non-professionals and potential license revocation for medical providers. Key provisions include banning the mailing, sale, or dissemination of abortifacients without a valid prescription, requiring medical professionals to attest to compliance, and creating a civil lawsuit option for affected parties. The law includes exceptions for medical emergencies - defined as situations where an abortion is necessary to prevent serious risk of death or life-threatening impairment to the patient.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 478, the Second Amendment Reaffirmation and Protection Act, prevents state and local officials from enforcing firearm restrictions that rely solely on federal laws later repealed or declared unconstitutional. The bill automatically makes such state or local provisions unenforceable once the federal law is invalidated, unless the state passes new independent laws. It also allows individuals to sue officials who knowingly enforce these invalidated federal rules for damages. The law directly affects state/local law enforcement and residents who might face enforcement actions based on outdated federal regulations.