Sen. Kevan Bartlett

Maddy summarySB 184 prohibits camping in public places like sidewalks, streets, parks, or under bridges without permission from the managing authority, except for recreation or emergency shelter during disasters. It defines "camp" as temporarily residing with shelter (including tents or makeshift structures) and sets penalties for violations as a misdemeanor, with fines of $100-$1,000, community service, or for a first offense, a free one-way bus ticket to one of six major cities. Officers must attempt to provide alternatives - such as information on services - before issuing a citation, unless an immediate safety threat exists. The bill does not override stricter local ordinances on public camping.

Maddy summarySB 209 creates the Vape Regulation and Enforcement Act, requiring all businesses selling vapes or vape cartridges in West Virginia to obtain a license from the Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (ABCA). The law mandates background checks for business owners/operators, requires detailed personal information on licenses, and applies existing alcohol sales regulations to vape products. The ABCA gains authority to establish product restrictions (like packaging rules), enforce advertising standards similar to video lottery terminals, and impose penalties for violations - including license suspension or revocation. This directly affects vape retailers by imposing new licensing, reporting, and compliance requirements under the ABCA's oversight.

Maddy summarySB 138 increases penalties for drivers who flee from law enforcement officers after being stopped. It changes the offense from a misdemeanor to a felony, imposing stricter criminal consequences. This law directly affects individuals who evade police encounters, making fleeing a more serious criminal act. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 24, 2025, and became Chapter 157 of the 2025 Regular Session.

Maddy summarySB 280 requires all public schools in the state to display the official U.S. motto, "In God We Trust," in a prominent location within each school building. This policy directly affects every public K-12 school in the state, mandating the physical display of the motto as part of school decor. The key provision specifies that the motto must be visible in a location easily accessible to students and staff, without requiring specific formatting or additional signage. The bill became law on April 29, 2025, after approval by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 810 clarifies the requirements for licensed nurses who administer anesthesia or manage chronic pain practices. The bill updates existing rules to provide clearer standards for these specific nursing roles, directly affecting qualified nurses in those specialties. It does not create new requirements but makes current regulations more explicit and actionable. The law became effective on August 8, 2025, following gubernatorial approval on April 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 449 allows public schools to establish organized shooting teams using compressed air firearms (non-lethal) and rimfire firearms (like .22 caliber). It removes previous restrictions preventing schools from creating such teams for competitive or educational purposes. The bill directly affects public school administrators and students participating in these sanctioned activities. It became law after Governor approval on April 24, 2025, and took effect on August 8, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 299 prohibits medical professionals in West Virginia from prescribing or dispensing "gender altering medication" (including puberty blockers and supraphysiologic hormone therapy) to patients under 18 years old. This directly affects doctors, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses who provide care to minors. The bill requires telehealth regulations to include this prohibition and mandates that violations result in revocation of professional licenses. It amends existing health codes to define these prohibited practices and establishes enforcement through the Attorney General. The law takes effect July 11, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 270 declares that the sale and manufacture of firearms are essential businesses during any declared emergency. This directly affects firearm dealers, manufacturers, and distributors, ensuring they can continue operating when other non-essential businesses may be required to close. The bill requires emergency orders issued by the governor or local authorities to explicitly include firearm businesses as essential, preventing them from being shut down during crises like natural disasters or public health emergencies. It became law on April 25, 2025, as Chapter 241 of the 2025 Regular Session Acts.

Maddy summarySB 617 defines "gang" as any group of three or more people engaging in specific crimes, and creates new criminal penalties for gang membership and recruitment. It makes joining a gang or assisting in gang-related crimes a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a $25,000 fine, separate from the underlying crimes. The bill also adds penalties for intimidating witnesses in gang-related cases, with up to 10 years in prison. This law directly affects individuals who join gangs or recruit others, targeting ongoing criminal activity under West Virginia's Anti-Organized Criminal Enterprise Act.

Maddy summarySB 722 creates a tax credit program for West Virginia short line railroads (Class II or III railroads or rail siding owners) to fund infrastructure improvements. Eligible companies can claim a 50% tax credit for qualified maintenance costs (capped at $5,000 per mile of track) or new infrastructure projects (capped at $2 million per project or $5 million annually). Credits can be used against state taxes, carried forward for up to five years, or transferred to other taxpayers. The bill directly affects rail operators in West Virginia seeking to modernize tracks, sidings, or safety infrastructure.