Maddy summarySB 1063 creates a new Economic Development Investment Fund in West Virginia's State Treasury to finance job-creating projects, support industry recruitment, fund infrastructure for large industrial users, and leverage private investment. The fund, administered by the Division of Economic Development, can provide loans, grants, or equity but cannot cover government operating costs or salary increases, with no single project receiving more than 25% of the fund balance. Entities receiving funds must sign performance agreements requiring job creation, private investment thresholds, and tax base expansion. The fund must maintain a minimum balance equal to one year of projected commitments and report annually to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 1062 creates TEAM-WV, a new nonprofit corporation to advance West Virginia's economic development by focusing on job creation, retention, training, and business recruitment. The Governor must establish the corporation by filing articles of incorporation, with a 9-member board of directors appointed by the Governor (subject to Senate approval) to oversee operations. The board must set strategic goals, approve the chief executive officer's compensation and major contracts, conduct annual financial audits by independent auditors, and adopt a conflicts of interest policy. This structure requires regular board meetings and financial transparency to ensure accountability in executing the corporation's economic development mission.
Maddy summarySB 1001 establishes West Virginia's Nuclear Lifecycle and Advanced Fuel Cycle Development Act, authorizing state-level support for federally licensed nuclear fuel activities like enrichment, recycling, storage, and transportation. The bill creates a Nuclear Lifecycle Development Fund to support infrastructure, workforce training, and matching federal grants for a "Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus." It explicitly states that state agencies cannot block federally authorized nuclear operations and requires all activities to comply with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission rules. The legislation directly affects nuclear energy developers, federal partners like the Department of Energy, and communities hosting potential facilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires West Virginia county school boards to obtain voter approval before closing or consolidating schools, except when a prior construction bond issue already included those schools in its scope. It mandates a public hearing process, including written impact statements detailing effects on student transportation, school finances, enrollment capacity, and staff, and requires the board to consider input from school improvement councils. The countywide referendum must be held during a regular election or special election, and the board cannot proceed unless a majority of voters approve the closure or consolidation. This adds a direct voter check on significant school restructuring decisions.
Maddy summarySB 968 clarifies rules for selling land abandoned due to unpaid taxes in West Virginia. It requires bidders to register in advance or submit a notarized affidavit, disqualifying those with unpaid property taxes, recent code enforcement violations, or failure to comply with repair orders. Qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on housing or public facilities may purchase land if their bid is no more than 5% lower than the highest non-nonprofit bid. Unsold land after auction may be sold without further notice to adjacent landowners, the municipality, county commission, or the state land bank.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 41), not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes the West Virginia University Institute for Community and Rural Health for its 15-year work since 2011 supporting rural health care in West Virginia. The resolution highlights the institute's role in developing the health care workforce through student programs, professional development, and financial incentives for rural health professionals. It has no binding policy impact and serves only to acknowledge the institute's contributions.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 38), not a substantive bill. It formally designates February 16, 2026, as "Rural Health Day" at the West Virginia Capitol. The resolution acknowledges rural health care providers - including hospitals, clinics, and emergency services - and recognizes their efforts in addressing health care challenges in rural West Virginia. It has no legal effect beyond this symbolic recognition and does not impose new requirements or change existing laws.
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 summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 40) designates February 16, 2026, as "Child Advocacy Center Day" in West Virginia. It formally recognizes the work of the state's 21 Child Advocacy Centers, which support child abuse victims and families through coordinated services across 48 counties. The resolution has no policy impact - it is a symbolic observance inviting legislators and citizens to acknowledge these centers' role in child safety and healing.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 39) adopted on February 16, 2026, recognizing the West Virginia Area Health Education Centers (WV AHEC) for their 25-year work in health workforce development. It formally acknowledges their role in training students (serving over 1,400 annually in grades 9-12), providing clinical experiences for health trainees, and offering continuing education to nearly 1,000 healthcare providers in rural and underserved communities. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it serves solely as a formal acknowledgment of the centers' contributions.