Sen. Patricia Rucker

Maddy summarySB 982 creates a state program to fund improvements to public roads connecting residential neighborhoods and subdivisions to existing state roads. It establishes a special fund for projects serving at least 20 residential units (single or multifamily), with a $750,000 annual cap per project. The program excludes private roads, driveways, routine maintenance, and commercial areas, and requires annual reporting to the Legislature. The program expires after 10 years unless renewed by the Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a tiered commission system for West Virginia sheriffs who collect property taxes as county treasurers. Beginning July 1, 2026, sheriffs will earn additional annual commissions based on their collection rate: $15,000 for 85-89% collection, $20,000 for 90-94%, $25,000 for 95-99%, and $30,000 for 95% or higher. The commission is paid from tax collections and becomes part of the sheriff's regular compensation. It directly affects county sheriffs serving as treasurers, adjusting their pay based on property tax collection performance.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 1038) increases salaries by 15% for three specific positions at the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review: Chief Administrative Law Judge, Administrative Law Judge 1, and Administrative Law Judge 2. The adjustment applies to salary levels effective when the bill takes effect and is separate from other 2026 budget salary changes. The stated purpose is to help ensure unemployment compensation hearings occur in a timely manner. The funding for this increase is exempt from standard budget constraints, and the law explicitly states it creates no legal liability for implementation.

Maddy summarySB 63 amends West Virginia's charter school application rules by adding detailed requirements for new or converted public charter schools. It mandates applicants to submit specific elements including a mission statement with academic focus, student achievement goals, governance structure plans, enrollment strategies, five-year budgets, and plans for serving students with disabilities or language needs. The bill does not specifically target rural schools (despite its title), as these requirements apply broadly to all charter school applications statewide. This procedural change affects school applicants seeking approval to establish or convert public charter schools, focusing on transparency and accountability in the application process.

Maddy summarySB 54 amends West Virginia law to establish clear criminal penalties for caregivers who abuse or neglect incapacitated adults. It directly affects caregivers (including facilities and individuals responsible for care) and incapacitated adults aged 18+ who cannot perform daily life activities due to age or disability. The bill creates tiered penalties: misdemeanors for basic neglect/abuse (fines up to $500 or 1 year jail), and felonies for severe harm (fines up to $5,000 and prison terms of 2-15 years), including removing the "malice" requirement for felony charges when death occurs. Key provisions define abuse, neglect, and "incapacitated adult," while explicitly excluding cases involving religious treatment choices or legally authorized medical decisions.

Maddy summarySB 59 clarifies residency requirements for voter registration and voting in West Virginia by defining "legal resident" as a person who physically lives in and intends to remain in the state, county, or municipality, using factors like vehicle registration, tax payments, and address for benefits. The bill requires voters to be legal residents of the area where they cast a ballot and mandates that registration applicants be legal residents of both the state and their county. This directly affects all individuals registering to vote or participating in elections across West Virginia. The bill was introduced on January 14, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for review.

Maddy summarySB 251 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Administration to implement a specific rule (148 CSR 25) for the One-Stop Shop Permitting Program. This procedural bill approves a previously modified rule that streamlines business permitting by allowing a single application to cover multiple state agency requirements. It directly affects businesses seeking construction or development permits across state agencies. The rule aims to reduce processing time and administrative burden without creating new policy.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 44 allows home producers to sell certain nonpotentially hazardous food items (like baked goods, jams, and nonalcoholic beverages) directly to consumers without state food licensing, permitting, or labeling requirements. It exempts these items from standard food regulations if sold directly by the producer or their agent, but requires sellers to provide written notices about the food's origin and production location. The bill excludes dairy, meat, poultry, and potentially hazardous foods (like acidified foods) from this exemption, requiring vendors selling those items at farmers markets to obtain permits and follow department labeling rules. Health departments retain authority to investigate foodborne illness linked to these sales.

Maddy summaryWest Virginia's SB 499 requires toxicology tests for drivers involved in any vehicle crash that results in death. The bill mandates these tests be performed "as soon as possible" after a fatal accident, directly affecting drivers in such crashes. It amends existing law (§17C-4-1) to add this requirement, specifying that testing applies to all drivers involved in fatal collisions. The bill, named "Erin’s Law," does not change penalties for hit-and-run offenses but adds this testing mandate as a new procedural step. This is a concrete policy change focused on gathering evidence in fatal crash investigations.

Maddy summarySB 553 allows West Virginia contractors to transfer their license to an immediate family member (spouse, child, sibling, or parent) without requiring the family member to pass a licensing exam. To qualify, the family member must have been actively involved in the business or employ someone who meets the board's minimum qualifications for contractors. The bill also permits transfers within one year of a contractor's death or permanent incapacity. Transferred licenses remain valid only if the family member continues as the business's principal owner, partner, or corporate officer. This change updates licensing rules to facilitate family business succession.