Sen. Chris Rose

Maddy summarySB 897 establishes licensing and certification requirements for alcohol and drug counselors in West Virginia. It defines key terms like "substance use disorder" and "practice of alcohol and drug counseling," which includes evaluating addiction issues, developing treatment plans, and providing trauma-informed care. The bill sets eligibility criteria, application fees, renewal fees, and grandfathering provisions for existing counselors based on education or experience. It also creates disciplinary actions for violations and specifies exceptions for healthcare providers, state employees, and self-help groups. This bill directly affects counselors seeking to provide substance use disorder treatment services in the state.

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 1042 requires coal mine operators to maintain a minimum airflow of 3,000 cubic feet of air per minute at active mining faces where coal is being cut, drilled, or loaded. This amendment to West Virginia's mine ventilation law (§22A-2-4) sets a specific, enforceable standard for ventilation in working areas, directly affecting all operators of active underground coal mines. The bill also reinforces existing requirements for oxygen levels (minimum 19.5%), carbon dioxide limits (maximum 0.5%), and the use of flame-resistant ventilation materials like brattice cloth. These provisions aim to ensure consistent airflow to dilute flammable gases and maintain safe working conditions.

Maddy summarySB 243 creates a tax credit for businesses in West Virginia that pay severance and business privilege taxes. The credit equals 25% of qualifying expenses businesses incur repairing public property and infrastructure after disasters like hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes. Qualifying expenses include labor, materials, and equipment used for debris removal, site preparation, and rebuilding public structures. Unused credits can be carried forward to future tax years, but the credit excludes costs exceeding fair market value for similar goods or services.

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 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 502 establishes permanent endowments to protect women’s collegiate Olympic sports programs at West Virginia’s public NCAA Division I universities. It requires that only endowment earnings - not principal - fund scholarships, coaching, equipment, and facilities for these programs. The bill creates tax credits (50% of donations) for private contributions and matching funds for institutions that document verified operational savings (e.g., energy efficiency, shared services), while prohibiting cuts to academic programs or Title IX compliance. All endowments must undergo annual audits, and institutions must report on cost savings, donations, and Title IX adherence to the state education commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a value-based payment system for West Virginia's Medicaid addiction care services, shifting from fee-for-service to rewarding providers based on patient recovery outcomes. It directly affects Medicaid providers treating substance use disorders by requiring them to use standardized billing codes starting in 2027 and report on five specific outcome metrics: housing stability, sobriety, avoidance of criminal justice involvement, self-sufficiency (employment/education), and provider transition plans. The bill mandates data collection and analysis by the Bureau for Medical Services to develop these metrics, with value-based payments requiring implementation by 2028. The goal is to create a coordinated care system focused on long-term recovery success rather than fragmented service volume.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 587 sets new salary amounts for West Virginia county commissioners and other elected county officials, effective July 1, 2026, based on their county's population class (e.g., Class I commissioners will earn $53,731 annually, up from $45,535). To receive the increase, county officials must submit a written request to their county clerk, and the county auditor must certify sufficient fiscal health to cover the raise and related taxes. The bill applies directly to all elected county officials (including sheriffs, clerks, and assessors) across West Virginia's 55 counties, with salary tiers determined by county classification. It does not automatically increase pay; officials must actively request the raise, and counties must meet fiscal certification requirements before implementation.