Sen. Rupie Phillips

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 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.

Maddy summarySB 21 prohibits West Virginia school districts and the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission from banning students, coaches, or athletic trainers from participating in non-school athletic activities as a condition of being on a school sports team. The law explicitly states that such restrictions are arbitrary and not rationally related to a state purpose. It directly affects student-athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers in public schools by allowing them to join outside teams or events without losing their school team eligibility. This removes a common barrier that previously forced students to choose between school sports and non-school athletic opportunities.

Maddy summarySB 24 creates the West Virginia Intrastate Energy Use Act, clarifying that environmental regulations for coal, oil, and natural gas produced and consumed entirely within West Virginia fall under the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), not the federal EPA. It requires coal mines, oil wells, and gas wells operating for in-state use to obtain operational permits from the WVDEP before commencing activities, asserting that EPA lacks authority to deny such permits for resources not entering interstate commerce. The bill applies to all in-state energy production and power generation facilities using these resources, while explicitly stating it does not override other state or federal environmental laws. This legislation aims to define state regulatory authority for intrastate energy activities based on constitutional principles of state sovereignty.