Sen. Scott Fuller

Maddy summarySenate Bill 574 prohibits state agencies and entities receiving state funds from implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies that grant preferential treatment based on race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin. The bill bans state-funded DEI staff positions, mandatory DEI training, DEI statements in hiring, pronoun disclosure requirements, and any activities promoting preferential treatment. It requires all state departments to review existing DEI programs within 30 days and submit elimination plans within 90 days. This directly affects West Virginia state agencies, boards, and organizations receiving state funding. The law aims to align state practices with constitutional equal protection guarantees.

Maddy summarySB 582 allows current campus police officers at West Virginia state universities to join the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Police Officer Retirement System. It requires all new campus police hires starting January 1, 2026, to participate in this same retirement system. Current officers cannot transfer existing retirement credits or funds into the DNR system. The bill specifically affects campus police officers employed by state institutions, changing their retirement plan options without altering their current benefits or compensation. This policy change is limited to retirement system enrollment, not other employment terms.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 583, titled the "West Virginia-Powered Data Center Incentive Act," provides property tax exemptions for new data centers meeting specific eligibility criteria and a tax credit for coal-fired electric utilities supplying them. Data centers must apply for these incentives and maintain compliance to continue receiving benefits. The bill aims to attract data center investments to West Virginia, which the state expects will create jobs and boost economic growth while supporting coal-powered electricity infrastructure. It establishes clear application processes, eligibility rules, and compliance requirements for both data centers and utilities.

Maddy summarySB 580 increases penalties for distributing Schedule I or II controlled substances classified as narcotics or methamphetamine. For these drugs, the bill raises the maximum prison sentence from 15 to 40 years if fentanyl is involved (with a minimum of 3 years), and adds a 5-year parole ineligibility period for convictions. It also adjusts penalties for counterfeit versions of these high-risk substances. The bill directly affects individuals distributing these specific drugs, particularly in cases involving fentanyl. These changes apply to both actual and counterfeit drugs classified in Schedules I, II, or III.

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 summarySJR 11 proposes a constitutional amendment to West Virginia's Constitution that would change term limits for county sheriffs. Currently, a sheriff who serves two consecutive terms becomes ineligible for the next term. The amendment would specifically allow a person appointed to fill a sheriff's term with less than two years remaining to run for two consecutive terms after their appointment. This change would apply only to those appointed to finish terms with less than two years left, while maintaining the general rule for elected sheriffs. The amendment would require voter approval in the 2026 general election to take effect.

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.