Maddy summaryThis bill establishes mandatory Medicaid program requirements for West Virginia, directly affecting Medicaid enrollees including adults, children, and individuals receiving coverage under the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Key provisions include implementing a work requirement by January 1, 2027; prohibiting Medicaid use by undocumented residents starting October 1, 2026; requiring biannual eligibility verification; ending multi-state enrollment; removing deceased members quarterly; reducing error rates to 3% by 2028; and limiting retroactive eligibility to 30-60 days. The bill aligns West Virginia’s Medicaid program with federal requirements under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), mandating the Bureau for Medical Services to seek necessary federal authority to implement these changes. It also requires Medicaid waivers to be budget neutral and amends specific taxes related to managed care and providers.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySenate Bill 730 requires West Virginia's Bureau for Family Assistance to meet two specific program standards by January 1, 2027: (1) reduce its error rate in processing applications to 6% or below, and (2) block individuals living in the U.S. illegally from receiving supplemental nutrition benefits. The bill directly affects the Bureau’s operations and applicants seeking nutrition assistance. It aims to align the state’s program with federal requirements, as noted in the bill’s purpose statement. The provisions focus on operational accuracy and eligibility verification for nutrition benefits.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits West Virginia's Public Service Commission from approving utility rate increases that include costs for intermittent power sources like solar or wind energy. It specifically blocks the Commission from considering construction, operation, maintenance, or decommissioning costs for facilities relying solely on variable energy sources (defined as those dependent on weather and not fully controllable). Existing contracts signed before the law takes effect are exempt, but new expansions or commitments to such projects cannot be included in rate hikes. The bill also requires the Commission to submit an annual report to the Legislature assessing the law's impact on energy rates, reliability, and affordability.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 1) requests the West Virginia Division of Highways to rename specific bridges and road segments after military veterans and community members. It directly affects the Division of Highways, which would implement the proposed names for 15+ existing infrastructure locations across 10 counties. The resolution specifies exact locations (e.g., a bridge in Wayne County to be called the "Hercie Maynard Memorial Bridge" or a section of WV Route 10 as the "Purple Heart Trail") without creating new laws or funding. It is purely a naming request, not a policy change, and honors individuals with military service or local significance. The resolution was quickly adopted by both legislative chambers in January 2026.
Maddy summarySB 424, the Affordable Electricity and Economic Growth Act of 2026, would amend West Virginia law to streamline regulations for coal-based electricity generation and coke production (used in steelmaking) by requiring state agencies to simplify permitting processes. The bill directs the Department of Economic Development to lead efforts in promoting these industries, with the goal of leveraging the state's metallurgical coal resources to boost economic growth. It states that developing these sectors would improve economic opportunities, stabilize electricity prices, and strengthen West Virginia's competitiveness with neighboring states. The legislation aims to address regulatory barriers that have hindered coal-related projects compared to other states.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes when lawsuits about asbestos or silica exposure can begin in West Virginia. It sets three triggers: a person must have a medical diagnosis, discover facts leading to a diagnosis, or pass away with a related health issue before a case can start. It also separates noncancer claims (like lung disease) from cancer claims and prohibits lawsuits against coal mining equipment manufacturers unless filed within 10-12 years of the equipment's first sale or use. The bill directly affects people exposed to these substances who develop health issues and manufacturers of mining equipment.
Maddy summarySB 635, the Mountain Bike Responsibility Act, requires commercial trail operators in West Virginia to implement specific safety signage and trail markings. It mandates operators to display trail network maps at key locations, mark trails by difficulty level (using industry-standard colors/symbols), and clearly indicate closed trails at trailheads and intersections. The bill applies directly to commercial entities operating mountain bike trails and aerial tramways, defining their duties while clarifying that mountain bikers assume inherent sport risks. Currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee (introduced January 28, 2026), this bill establishes operational standards but does not alter existing liability laws for injuries.
Maddy summarySB 626 removes the Office of the Inspector General from the Department of Health structure in West Virginia. It eliminates the requirement for the Department of Health to provide administrative support to the Inspector General and clarifies that the Inspector General retains authority to conduct audits and investigations of the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, and Department of Health Facilities. The bill also maintains existing requirements for the Inspector General to report findings and notify prosecutors if criminal violations are suspected. This change reorganizes the Inspector General’s operational relationship while preserving its oversight role over key health and human services agencies.
Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 612 designates November 7 as "Victims of Communism Day" for public schools, requiring high school students in the mandated U.S. Government class to receive at least 45 minutes of annual instruction on this topic. The bill specifies instruction must cover historical communist regimes (including Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution, Stalin's Soviet system, and others) and how victims suffered through poverty, violence, and suppression. It directs the State Board of Education to revise social studies standards by April 2026 to include these requirements. The observance applies to all public schools, with make-up days if November 7 falls on a non-school day. This bill directly affects West Virginia public school students and educators in required U.S. Government courses.
Maddy summarySB 602 requires repeat DUI offenders in West Virginia to carry a special identification card indicating they are prohibited from purchasing alcohol. The card must feature a prominent red stripe and the words "No Alcohol Sale" on its front. This applies to individuals identified as "interdicted persons" under the law, meaning those legally barred from alcohol sales due to DUI convictions. The bill establishes the card's design, application process, and enforcement mechanisms for businesses to verify compliance. It does not change DUI penalties but creates a new identification requirement for affected individuals.