Sen. Kevan Bartlett

Maddy summarySB 890 changes West Virginia's public school calendar requirements from day-based to hour-based standards. It replaces the 180-day instructional requirement with a minimum of 900 instructional hours per year and changes the teacher employment term from 200 days to 1,600 hours. The bill allows counties to use up to 25 hours of alternative instruction (like remote learning during closures) toward the total hour requirement and permits flexible scheduling for educator development time. These changes directly affect all public school districts, teachers, and students in West Virginia by shifting how school calendar compliance is measured.

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 1026 creates a new criminal offense for disturbing lawful meetings, specifically increasing penalties when the disruption targets religious worship gatherings. It defines prohibited acts like obstructing meetings or making displays that outrage a group's sensibilities. Violations become a felony if committed to disrupt religious worship at tax-exempt places (including virtual meetings via video/teleconferencing), otherwise remaining a misdemeanor. The law directly affects individuals who interfere with religious services or gatherings, with enhanced penalties applying specifically to religious contexts. This is a policy change establishing concrete criminal penalties for targeted disruptions of religious activities.

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 summarySB 1, the Small Business Growth Act, creates a new tax credit program administered by the West Virginia Department of Commerce to incentivize investment in small businesses. It provides insurance companies with a credit against their state premium tax equal to 15% of qualifying capital investments made by certified "growth funds" into eligible West Virginia businesses. Eligible businesses must have fewer than 250 employees and principal operations in the state, and investments are limited to 20% of a growth fund's capital authority or $7.5 million per business. The credit is claimed annually based on certified investments, with the program requiring annual reporting and prohibiting certain investment types.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a process for determining which short-term workforce training programs in West Virginia qualify for federal Workforce Pell Grants. It directs the West Virginia Workforce Development Board to assess programs against federal criteria, define key terms, and require reporting from institutions offering eligible programs. The bill directly affects short-term training providers (like vocational courses or certifications) seeking federal funding to help workers access career-focused education. It creates a state-level mechanism to align local programs with federal grant requirements without changing the federal Pell Grant program itself. The summary focuses solely on the eligibility process, as described in the bill's provisions (§5B-12-1 through §5B-12-6).

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the dedicated public service of Honorable Michael Andrew Woelfel, a former West Virginia State Senator. The bill honors his career as a prosecutor, juvenile court referee, university professor, and legislator who served three consecutive terms in the Senate. It expresses the Senate's appreciation for his contributions to West Virginia citizens and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Woelfel. This is a commemorative measure with no policy changes or budgetary impact.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the dedicated public service of Honorable Charles Houston Clements, a former West Virginia state senator. The bill honors Clements for his legislative career, including his service as Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and his decision not to seek reelection in 2026. It expresses the Senate's appreciation for his commitment to serving West Virginia citizens and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Clements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution from West Virginia opposes the People's Republic of China's interpretation of UN Resolution 2758 and supports Taiwan's participation in international organizations. The bill clarifies that the 1971 UN resolution only addressed which government represents China at the UN, not Taiwan's political status or sovereignty, and criticizes China for using the resolution to justify its "One China" claims. It calls on the UN to stop using Resolution 2758 to deny Taiwan access to UN institutions and events, while reaffirming the U.S. policy of not taking a position on Taiwan's sovereignty and supporting peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues. The resolution also encourages Taiwan's continued engagement in international organizations where statehood is not required and directs the Senate Clerk to send the document to West Virginia's congressional delegation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 13, 2026, as Veterans Visibility Day within the West Virginia Legislature. The measure formally recognizes the service and sacrifice of West Virginia veterans and current military personnel, acknowledging the state's high rate of military service and the contributions of those who have served. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy to the Department of Veterans Assistance, serving as an official gesture of gratitude rather than establishing new policies or funding.