Sen. Brian Helton

Maddy summarySB 584, known as "Lauren's Law," amends West Virginia law to increase penalties for delivering controlled substances that cause death. It mandates a fixed life sentence (with no possibility of suspension) for anyone convicted of knowingly delivering drugs that directly result in a fatal overdose. This law specifically targets individuals who supply illicit drugs leading to overdose deaths, affecting those convicted under this provision. The bill changes the existing penalty from 3-15 years to a mandatory life sentence for this offense.

Maddy summarySB 541 increases penalties for distributing fentanyl in West Virginia. It raises the mandatory minimum prison sentence for fentanyl distribution from 1 year to 3 years and doubles the maximum fine from $25,000 to $50,000 (Section 60A-4-401(a)(i)). The bill also adds a 5-year parole ineligibility period for individuals convicted under this provision (Section 32). This directly affects people convicted of distributing fentanyl, including those who possess it with intent to distribute.

Maddy summarySB 539 removes exemptions that currently protect bona fide schools, public libraries, and museums from criminal liability when distributing or displaying obscene material to minors. Under the proposed change, these entities would no longer be shielded from prosecution for such actions, regardless of whether the material was part of curriculum (for schools) or displayed with parental accompaniment (for libraries/museums). The bill directly affects these institutions by making them subject to the same criminal provisions as other entities under West Virginia law (§61-8A-2). This change would require schools, libraries, and museums to ensure all material distributed to minors complies with obscenity laws, eliminating their previous legal protections.

Maddy summarySB 540 allows West Virginia municipalities to expand their boundaries through small, incremental adjustments (not major annexations) by seeking county commission approval. It limits such adjustments to no more than 105% of the current municipal boundary length or 120% of the current area, and restricts municipalities to one such annexation every two years. To apply, municipalities must provide maps, evidence of consent from affected businesses/residents (with a 90-day deadline), and detailed plans for extending public services like police, waste collection, and water/sewer. The county commission must review applications for compliance with these limits, contiguous territory requirements, and potential impacts on existing service providers before approving or denying the request.

Maddy summarySB 535 authorizes five West Virginia counties - Ohio, Harrison, Monongalia, Jefferson, and Mercer - to create economic opportunity development districts where they can levy a special excise tax on sales of tangible personal property and services within designated district boundaries. The bill specifically approves districts like Fort Henry (Ohio County), University Town Centre (Monongalia County), and The Ridges (Mercer County), with each district having defined acreage and unique expiration dates (2053-2054). This tax revenue must be used for public purposes within the districts, and Jefferson County receives special provisions allowing it to set tax rates without state office approval. The bill directly affects businesses operating within these districts and county governments managing economic development projects.

Maddy summarySB 536 authorizes five specific West Virginia counties to levy a special sales tax within designated economic development districts to fund local projects. The bill permits Ohio County (Fort Henry District, 500 acres until 2054), Harrison County (Charles Pointe, 437 acres), Monongalia County (University Town Centre, 1,450 acres until 2053), Jefferson County (Hill Top House Hotel, 11 acres with special rules), and Mercer County (The Ridges, 420 acres with public hearing requirements) to collect this tax on sales of goods and services within their district boundaries. Counties must obtain legislative approval before imposing the tax, and each district has a defined sunset date (2053-2054) when it would automatically end unless terminated earlier. This tax is intended to fund local economic development without reducing state General Revenue Fund collections.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 7) formally recognizes the 153rd anniversary of Glenville State University. It expresses the Senate's appreciation for the university's historical contributions to teacher education and its current role in providing diverse academic programs (including business, health sciences, and criminal justice) that support West Virginia's educational and economic vitality. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy to the university president. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summarySB 515 establishes a new legal process for involuntary hospitalization of adults with substance use disorder in West Virginia. It requires a court to find, based on evidence, that a person poses an immediate danger to themselves or others due to substance use and could benefit from treatment. Petitions must be filed by family, friends, or guardians, include proof of danger, and guarantee payment for care. The bill allows for up to 60 days of treatment initially (with a possible 360-day extension) or 72-hour emergency holds, with strict court oversight including medical examinations and hearings within 14 days.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 7) requests that West Virginia's Division of Highways name a 2.9-mile segment of Riverside Drive in Boone County - the portion between 5th and 4th Avenues in front of Madison Middle School - as "Cohen Wade Craddock Memorial Road." It commemorates Cohen Wade Craddock, a Madison Middle School student who died in 2024 after sustaining injuries during football practice. The resolution directs the Division of Highways to install signs marking the designated road segment. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new law but formally honors Cohen Wade Craddock.

Maddy summarySB 507 prohibits drag performances in public venues where minors could attend, specifically banning them in schools, libraries, and other public spaces. It defines "drag performance" as shows where performers use clothing/makeup to exaggerate gender identity for entertainment, intended to appeal to prurient interest. The bill also prohibits state agencies from using public funds to host such performances. This directly affects schools, libraries, and state-funded events by restricting where drag shows may occur. The law amends West Virginia’s obscenity statutes to add this specific restriction.