Sen. Rupie Phillips

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 15) formally recognizes the 154th anniversary of Glenville State University, established in 1872 as a West Virginia state normal school. It acknowledges the university's historical role in teacher training and its current expansion into diverse academic programs (including business, health sciences, and criminal justice). The resolution expresses the Senate's appreciation for the university's contributions to West Virginia's education and economy and directs a copy to the university president. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy or financial impact.

Maddy summarySB 808 regulates consumable hemp products in West Virginia by prohibiting smokable hemp products and synthetically derived cannabinoids. It requires manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to obtain licenses from the Alcohol Beverage Control Administration, mandates product testing for contaminants, and enforces strict labeling with health warnings and scannable safety data. The bill also bans sales to anyone under 21 (verified like alcohol sales) and imposes a 10% excise tax on retail sales (80% to state funds, 20% to localities). These provisions directly affect businesses selling hemp products, consumers purchasing them, and state/local revenue streams.

Maddy summarySB 807 allows physician assistants (PAs) in West Virginia to own medical practices or businesses, which was previously restricted under state law. The bill amends licensing rules to permit PAs to be shareholders in medical corporations and to form professional LLCs under the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. It also prohibits PAs from receiving licenses or authorizations for referrals where they have a financial interest in the referral source. This directly affects PAs seeking greater business ownership opportunities while maintaining safeguards against conflicts of interest in patient referrals. The policy change updates professional licensing provisions without altering PA scope of practice or clinical responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 19) proposes a constitutional amendment requiring that only individuals born in West Virginia may be elected governor. It would amend Article VII, Section 1 of the West Virginia Constitution to state: "No person may be elected as or serve as governor, unless that person was born in West Virginia." If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, this requirement would apply to all future gubernatorial candidates. The resolution is currently in committee review and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definitions and requirements for certified public accountants in West Virginia, affecting individuals seeking CPA certification, accounting firms, and the state Board of Accountancy. It clarifies key terms like "firm," "attestation services," and "affiliated entity" to align with current accounting standards and modernizes education, examination, and experience requirements for certification. The legislation also modifies the Board's rule-making authority and revises provisions regarding practice privileges for out-of-state practitioners, while updating rules on unlawful acts and disciplinary measures for licensees and firms.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 26) formally congratulates Hurricane High School's boys soccer team for winning the inaugural 2025 AAAS Boys State Soccer Championship - the first championship in the new AAAS classification. It recognizes the team's 18-3-1 record, sportsmanship, and the role of coaches Kent Bailey and assistants in achieving this historic milestone. The resolution contains no policy changes or funding; it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment adopted by the Senate on February 4, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 734 updates the filing fee structure for time-share developers in West Virginia. It sets an initial filing fee at $500 plus $1 per time-share period (capped at $1,500 total) and requires a $250 fee for changes that add inventory to public offering statements. These fees apply to developers submitting time-share sales documents to the state division. The bill also clarifies procedural timelines for fee payments and document reviews, directly affecting time-share developers who must comply with these filing requirements.

Maddy summarySB 735 would eliminate West Virginia's corporate net income tax over a four-year period by reducing the tax rate annually until it reaches zero. The bill applies to corporations conducting business in the state, excluding those already exempt under current law. The key mechanism is a scheduled annual reduction in the tax rate, with the tax fully phased out by the end of the four-year period. This change would remove a direct tax on corporate profits, altering the state's primary revenue source for business taxation.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 27) designates February 4, 2026, as "West Virginia University Day" at the West Virginia Capitol. It recognizes West Virginia University (WVU) as the state's flagship land-grant institution, highlighting its educational programs, extension services, and community impact across all 55 counties. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves only as symbolic recognition, directing the Senate Clerk to send a copy to WVU leadership. It was adopted unanimously by voice vote on February 4, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 716 would lower the participation requirement for West Virginia's volunteer firefighter tax credit from 30% to 20% of department activities. This change directly affects volunteer firefighters seeking the tax credit, making it easier to qualify by reducing the minimum activity threshold. The bill amends Section 11-13JJ-4 of the state code to update the participation percentage while keeping other eligibility conditions unchanged. Currently, firefighters must participate in 30% of activities; the bill would require only 20%.