2025 Legislative Session summary Feb. 12 through April 12

Welcome to our 2025  ‘Daily at the State Legislature page’  – scroll down to read the status of the bills by date.

Here we address animal welfare bills that are introduced during the WV Legislative Session.

We will note if we think it is particularly good or a threat to an existing law on the books that protects animals.  We often leave you to make that determination.   Note that the dates are from newest to oldest as we post east current day to garner support for necessary bills.

Keep in mind, we are all volunteers who provide this information taking time from our busy lives to keep you informed. Our contributors on the bills are WV animal welfare supporters from all over the state providing this information to us.

Here are some hints.  You can go to the WV State Legislature site   https://www.wvlegislature.gov/

You can also track bills through their site.      https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bill_status.cfm

We have accumulated a 21-year history of animal bills in the WV State Legislature.  It is a unique history and can be accessed here only.
Legislative Session Detail Animal Welfare 03-2024

Everything following is now in the above file for easy download…..

Here we are again for another session of the WV State Legislature.  We know everyone thinks we need more laws to help animals.  We need some but really not many to do the job well.  First, we need the enforcement of the laws we have.  However, there are areas of ambiguity within the code.  And bills that are just lacking in support of our furry friends.   Often, we just need to remain vigilant to ensure a bill will not do more harm than good.

Often bills get introduced as a courtesy to a local constituent.  If bills do not get helped & nurtured they simply remain in committee and languish like the majority of other bills that never pass.   If you have an interest in a bill, you have to get involved, get others involved, write to your legislators, post on social media, travel to Charleston to see them in person, make phone calls.  Sounds like a lot of effort, doesn’t it?  Well, it definitely is.   That is why only a small portion of bills actually make it through to passage and becoming law.

Read and see if you support or oppose any of these that have been introduced.   If you do nothing, then your argument remains that the law needs changed but you are unwilling to offer effort to get it done.   It may be different this year and you could be that difference.    If we miss a bill, please let us know.    

House committee process chart

Notes these dates of interest for this legislative session:

March 25th will be ‘Spay Neuter Awareness Day’ at the State Legislature.    WVVAW and FOHO WV will have informational tables in the lower rotundra of the capital to help educate all on the benefits of spay neuter.  We will particularly emphasize the importantance of extending our WVSNP funding beyond its sunset date to help control our pet overpopulation in our state.    

2025 Legislative Session:  

April 12
Success.  HB 3000 passed the House at 6:38 pm!  The sunset is gone!
ONE MORE EMAIL OR CALL!
HB 3000 still has not made it across the finish line. It is aggravating waiting on this. We were off to a grand start and got caught in some political shenanigans, which derailed us on March 25 when we were at the Capitol. That is the day we should have had victory. We should still make it, but time is short.
We had a strong showing with all of you in Charleston, and we deserve this. Send a message to your delegate and to the House Speaker to get HB 3000 brought to a House Floor concurrent vote.
House Speaker Roger Hanshaw
roger.hanshaw@wvhouse.gov
Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3210

April 10   HB 3000 is on 3rd reading and passage on the Senate Floor on April 10.  Passed unanimously and off the House.

April 9    UPDATE FOR April 9 Senate Floor Session: recessed until 6 pm this evening. Did not make it to 2nd reading bills. HB 3000 is on 2nd reading.    Made it to 3rd reading.

April 8 HB 3000 is finally headed to the Senate Floor. Had its first reading today.

April 7: This bill will run on Tuesday’s agenda now. So we are told.

COMM. SUB. HB 3000 is now THE bill. Our path to victory. Sen. Rucker is going to run this bill on Monday morning April 7 in Sen. Gov. Org. Sen. Rucker is the Chair of Sen. Gov. Org. Send her your immense thanks for her support of our effort and for supporting this bill. Here is a quick email below. I am sure yours can be more personal. Make sure to send emails or phone calls to the members of her committee for their positive vote on this bill. And do not forget your very own Senators for that important Senate Floor vote.
Notice the photo in the Senate Chamber with our supporters on Spay Neuter Awareness Day with Senator Rucker & our T-Shirt.
Yes, when this bill passes the Senate, it will go back to the House floor for one concurrence vote.
Please support the passage of COMM. SUB. HB 3000 by removing the sunset clauses to continue the funding for the West Virginia Spay Neuter Program for all of our counties in West Virginia.
WVSNP requires no taxpayer money, has contributed over $4M to local economies, and has kept over 85,000 dogs and cats from reproducing since 2018.
Every surgery represents fewer innocent animals being euthanized just because there was no one to adopt them.
There is widespread support for our WV Spay Neuter Program and I am asking now that COMM. SUB. HB 3000 for removing the sunset clauses be passed out of Senate Gov. Org. Committee and to the Senate Floor for passage.
Senate Government Organizations
Senator Rucker – Chair — Thank her for her support
Senator Woodrum – Vice-Chair
Senator Barrett
Senator Chapman
Senator Charnock
Senator Hamilton
Senator Helton
Senator Jeffries
Senator Maynard
Senator Phillips
Senator Rose
Senator Thorne
Senator Willis
Senator Woelfel
Contact information is below for Sen. Gov. Org.  

March 29   Scroll down for some sample letters and a compelling letter from Operation Fancy Free that was posted on FB and sent to Senators

Scroll down to see below the Senate Rules Committee List 

 

March 28    Can anyone say Pet Food Industry sabotage?

We are seriously worried about time and being lost in the shuffle.
Both SB 578 and HB 2158 are stuck in rules in the Senate. They were sent to Senate Rules when they were sailing to pass on the Senate Floor. Why?
We need emails to those Senators in Rules. Take a look at those members on Senate Rules. SEN. RUCKER and SEN GRADY are on Senate Rules and sponsors of SB 578, which is our bill stuck in Senate Rules. Does this sound intentional, coincidental, or nefarious? When asked, Senate President Smith said it was done to manage the calendar??
Get our two bills OUT of Senate Rules and passed on the floor of the Senate. SB 578 will die if it is not passed out of the Senate by Wednesday.
Do not listen to the excuse, you have another year to do this. If it is not done this session, who is going to put this kind of monumental effort into getting this passed next year?
Senate Rules Committee:
Senate President Smith Chairman
Phone: (304) 357-7801
randy.smith@wvsenate.gov
Patrick S. Martin (R – Lewis, 12) Vice-Chair
Majority Leader
Room 227M, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7845
patrick.martin@wvsenate.gov
Jason Barrett (R – Berkeley, 16)
Room 461M, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7933
District Phone: (304) 886-9907
jason.barrett@wvsenate.gov
Donna J. Boley (R – Pleasants, 03)
President Pro Tempore
Room 206W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7905
District Phone: (304) 684-3266
donna.boley@wvsenate.gov
Senator Laura Wakim Chapman
District 1 Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall (part)
Capitol Phone: 304-357-7918
Laura.chapman@wvsenate.gov
Patricia Puertas Rucker (R – Jefferson, 16) Sponsor of our bill SB 578/same bill as HB 2158 Thank her
Room 214W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7957
District Phone: (304) 279-1619
patricia.rucker@wvsenate.gov
Amy N. Grady (R – Mason, 04) Sponsor of our bill SB 578/same bill as HB 2158 Thank her
Room 417M, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7855
amy.grady@wvsenate.gov
Mark R. Maynard (R – Wayne, 06)
Room 441M, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7808
District Phone: (304) 360-6272
mark.maynard@wvsenate.gov
Senator Mike Stuart
District 7 Logan, Lincoln, Boone, Kanawha (part)
Mike.stuart@wvsenate.gov
Capitol Phone: 304-357-7939
District Phone: 304-553-1084
Senator Jay Taylor
District 14 Taylor (part), Preston, Tucker, Grant, Hardy, Mineral
Jay.taylor@wvsenate.gov
Capitol Phone: 304-357-7914
District Phone: 304-319-2327
Michael A. Woelfel (D – Cabell, 05)
Minority Leader
Room 245M, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7956
District Phone: (304) 522-6249
mike.woelfel@wvsenate.gov

This letter went to the Governor today:     Similar could be sent to Senate President Randy Smith.    However, this person prefaced the email with the name of their group, which is important too.   

I attended the Spay Neuter Awareness event in the Capitol on March 25.  Animal welfare non-profits and county commissions from around the State gathered to encourage our legislators to remove the sunset that would end the West Virginia Spay Neuter Program.  WVSNP is reducing the pet overpopulation and thereby the cost for taxpayers to euthanize thousands of homeless dogs and cats every year. WVSNP is funded by a small increase in the Pet Food Registration Fee.  WV is one of five states that fund a spay/neuter program with pet food fees.  In 2023, pet food companies sold $356M in products in WV and contributed one-tenth of one percent to WVSNP.  WVSNP has paid over $4M to WV clinics to spay or neuter over 85,000 animals.  Last year, 85 organizations and 19 county commissions with shelters received grants from this program.  We thought we had done everything right.

HB 2158 was passed 93 to 5 but now sits in the Senate Rules Committee.  SB 578 is also languishing in Senate Rules.   Commissioner Leonhardt and his staff support the WVSNP.  This program requires no taxpayer money, contributes to the local economies, and makes WV a healthier place to live because every animal receives a 3-year rabies inoculation.  The grant recipients from all 55 counties have been writing to local senators and delegates since November.  Please help us help West Virginia become a proud no-kill state before the sunset kills WVSNP in 2027.

Sample Email for Rules Committee Members and/or your Senator to put pressure on someone to help!

I attended the Spay Neuter Awareness event in the Capitol on March 25.  Animal welfare non-profits and county commissions from around the State gathered to encourage our legislators to remove the sunset that would end the West Virginia Spay Neuter Program.  WVSNP is reducing the pet overpopulation and thereby the cost for taxpayers to euthanize thousands of homeless dogs and cats every year.

WVSNP is funded by a small increase in the Pet Food Registration Fee.

We thought we had done everything right and seem to have a lot of support.  If our bills can get to the floor, they will pass.

HB 2158 was passed 93 to 5 but now sits in the Senate Rules Committee.  SB 578 is also languishing in Senate Rules.  The grant recipients from all 55 counties have been writing to local senators and delegates since November.  Please help us help West Virginia by getting these bills out of Senate Rules and to the floor of the Senate to pass.

Facebook post and Email to Senators from Operation Fancy Free’s Kathy Stone done on evening of March 29
As President /co-founder of Operation Fancy Free Inc. , this is my final plea to our legislators. We have Monday and Tuesday before all our efforts are for nothing. Then hard decisions arrive. As a small group, we can’t wait till a Monday to decide the months plans for the following month. Yes, it is that serious. It’s frustrating, exhausting, unnecessary and so so sad. WV should celebrate volunteers doing the “Street grind”. But do they ? Remains to be seen I guess.
SENATOR:
Sitting here on a Saturday afternoon, March 29th, worrying about funding for our small non-profit Operation Fancy Free Inc, Jackson County WV. It didn’t have to be this way. And it is very disappointing. You see, we as only one of a large group of non-profit animal welfare groups from all 55 counties of WV, began back in November 2024 to address what we knew was going to be a crisis for all the progress we have achieved for our State through the WVSNP grant funding, with NO TAXPAYER DOLLARS. We asked for so little ~ remove the Sunset clause from our Spay Neuter bill. Just one small change. We sure don’t ask for much as we do our work throughout the State, your State that you represent.
Operation Fancy Free Inc has worked for 12 years to reduce the cat overpopulation crisis in WV. We work Jackson, Mason, and Roane counties. We have trapped and PAID a local vet to sterilize 9460 cats. Since 2018, the WVSNP gave us the security we needed to advance our mission to sterilize 30 cats a week, at a cost average of $5500 per month. Without this grant, our non-profit will no longer be able to continue at this pace. And if you don’t know, cats reproduce quickly. Local fundraising can never keep up with the medical expenses.
We were so excited when HB 2158 had so much support at the legislature and was sailing through the necessary steps. But then disaster struck, an amendment was added “in error”, “didn’t belong there” but the bill had to go back through the process to remove the error. There it died in the Rules Committee. We all went from happy to concerned.
SB 578 was submitted. It was sailing through the processes. We were very hopeful. Many of us came to the Capitol to meet with you and thank you for the support on Tuesday March 25th, for the WV Spay Neuter Awareness Day. This was a BIG deal for us little people. Most of us have never been to the Capitol but we felt it was very important for us to be there as you discussed HB 2158. What happened? Due to “calendar issues” you also sent that bill to the Rules Committee where it is to this day. Our concern has now turned to heartbreak. On a day we planned to celebrate, we went home dejected in many ways. We are aware that time is of the essence and we are soon to lose all opportunity to fix this problem. One Small Change to remove the sunset clause is all we have ever asked of you. Please, please don’t let us down.
Every county in our State is blessed by a small group of volunteers, somewhere, doing the right thing to correct an absolute wrong as our county shelters are forced to KILL animals who don’t have a home, at a huge expense of tax dollars and grief. Please help us make WV better. You have all the power in your hands. We count on you to do the right thing. One Small Change is all we need.
Senator Grady is a strong advocate for us, as is Senator Rucker. Thank you both so very much. We hope all Senators will address this issue first thing Monday morning. We are struggling out here to understand how this is going to end. We cannot wait another year for a resolution. Small groups like Operation Fancy Free Inc. must take actions in advance as to the budgetary limitations you are placing on our programs.
PLEASE BE PART OF THE SOLUTION.
Thanking you in advance,
Kathy Stone
President Operation Fancy Free Inc.

——————————————-

March 25   We will post information later on this or refer to FOHO WV and all the phots they have for that day.

March 21

SB 578 was referred to rules on 2nd reading in the Senate. HB 2158 is on 2nd reading in Senate. We have a snag. Of course! There was some language added to HB 2158 in Sen. AG which has caused it to have to go back to the House. That is the last thing we wanted. We have been told that it will be concurred back to the Senate when the changes have been made. The problem is that it could be a long delay at this busy time. How many times have good bills been lost in the shuffle during the last days of the session.?

This is disappointing news. Our strong show of red at the Capitol on Tuesday is more important than ever.
In investigating what amendment would have sidetracked our bill for it to be sent back to the House, here is what we found.  There was an amendment adding a #4 to an exclusion that stated

(4) Persons engaged in offering for sale, selling, exchanging, or bartering products or commodities produced exclusively on their own farms.

Not sure where this appeared from what source?  We are always wary of the PFI lurking to derail our effort.
HB 2158 sub eng
A BILL to amend and reenact §19-14-5 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, all relating to removal of the sunset clauses for registration fees on bulk and non-bulk pet food payable to the West Virginia spay and neuter program.    (added language from orig. bill)

March 20
With combining the two bills in the senate, it may take a little longer to get over the finish line with our bill in the Senate.

HB 2158 had 2nd committee reference waived on Senate Floor and will be on 1st reading in Senate on 3/21/25.
SB 578 will be on 2nd reading on Senate Floor on 3/21/25.
Your job is to keep contacting your own Senators.

March 19

WE DID IT! Now one more step!
HB 2158 passed out of Senate AG Comm and is headed to the Senate Floor for passage. I said full passage if it gets through the Senate Floor vote (no amendments) to head to the Gov. for his signature. They have waived the 2nd comm. reference (If you recall the 2nd committee was Senate Gov. Org. which is chaired by Sen. Rucker who sponsored the Senate version of this bill) and moved it directly to the floor.
Your enthusiasm with emails and calls has worked! NOW IF YOU HAVE NOT EMAILED OR CALLED YOUR SENATOR FROM YOUR DISTRICT, YOU STILL HAVE A CHANCE TO SAY SUPPORT HB 2158 ON THE SENATE FLOOR TO PASSAGE!
Just so you do not get confused, SB 578 is on the Senate Floor too. It is the same bill but it has to pass the Senate and head to the House.
HB 2158 is our most direct and quickest path to passage and the Governor’s desk!

March 18

Rapid changes with these bills.
HB 2158 has been moved to the agenda of Senate Agriculture Committee for 2 pm on March 19th   This bill has passed the House already so just needs to get through the Senate.  It is currently 2nd referenced to Gov. Org but there is discussion of sending it to Senate Finance.  We will know tomorrow.   

Senate Agriculture Committee

Senator Hart – Chair
Senator Thorne – Vice-Chair
Senator Deeds
Senator Hamilton
Senator Queen
Senator Rose
Senator Rucker
Senator Tarr
Senator Woelfel

Craig A. Hart (R – Mingo, 06)
Chair
Room 209W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7843
craig.hart@wvsenate.gov

Darren Thorne (R – Hampshire, 15)
Vice Chair
Room 200W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7980
darren.thorne@wvsenate.gov

Vince Deeds (R – Greenbrier, 10)
Room 200W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7959
District Phone: (304) 992-9305
vince.deeds@wvsenate.gov

Bill Hamilton (R – Upshur, 11)
Room 223W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7906
District Phone: (304) 472-1966
bill.hamilton@wvsenate.gov

Ben Queen (R – Harrison, 12)
Room 204W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7904|
ben.queen@wvsenate.gov

Chris Rose (R – Monongalia, 02)
Room 209W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7902
chris.rose@wvsenate.gov

Patricia Puertas Rucker (R – Jefferson, 16)
Room 214W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7957
District Phone: (304) 279-1619
patricia.rucker@wvsenate.gov

Eric J. Tarr (R – Putnam, 04)
Room 213W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7901
District Phone: (304) 202-4276
eric.tarr@wvsenate.gov

Michael A. Woelfel (D – Cabell, 05)
Minority Leader
Room 245M, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7956
District Phone: (304) 522-6249
mike.woelfel@wvsenate.gov

SB 578, our Senate bill to remove the sunset clauses to continue WVSNP Funding PASSED out of Senate Finance today, March 18. It will have 3 readings on the Senate Floor before being passed to the House. Make sure that you have emailed YOUR very own senators before the Senate floor vote on Friday.
Our March 25th Spay Neuter Awareness Day at the Capitol is timely and critical.
HB 2158 is in Senate AG and will be on the agenda on or before Crossover Day, which is April 2.  (Looks like it got moved ahead since it is hitting Sen. AG agenda on March 19th now)
Our effort in Charleston is needed and our goal is clear. See you on the 25th!
SB 578 is on Senate Finance Committee Agenda March 18 at 3 pm! It is our bill to continue funding for WVSNP. It is sponsored by Sen. Grady, Sen. Rucker and now Sen. Hamilton. Pass it out of Senate Finance and to the floor of the Senate.  Remember to thank the sponsors for sponsoring the bill.   Make these personal.  They work better.  There are sample emails at bottom of page.
EMAILS AND PHONE CALLS NEEDED NOW!
Senate Finance Committee
Senator Barrett – Chair
Senator Roberts – Vice-Chair
Senator Boley
Senator Clements
Senator Grady Lead Sponsor on SB 578
Senator Hamilton On Senate. Ag. Co Sponsor of SB 578
Senator Jeffries
Senator Martin
Senator Maynard
Senator Morris
Senator Oliverio
Senator Phillips
Senator Queen On Senate Ag.
Senator Takubo
Senator Thorne On Senate Ag.
Senator Woelfel On Senate Ag
Senator Woodrum
Jason Barrett (R – Berkeley, 16)
Chair
Room 461M, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7933
District Phone: (304) 886-9907
jason.barrett@wvsenate.gov
Rollan A. Roberts (R – Raleigh, 09)
Vice Chair
Room 229W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7831
District Phone: (681) 238-1779
rollan.roberts@wvsenate.gov
Donna J. Boley (R – Pleasants, 03)
President Pro Tempore
Room 206W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7905
District Phone: (304) 684-3266
donna.boley@wvsenate.gov
Charles H. Clements (R – Wetzel, 02)
Room 417M, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7827
District Phone: (304) 455-5339
charles.clements@wvsenate.gov
Amy N. Grady (R – Mason, 04) Lead sponsor SB 578
Room 417M, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7855
amy.grady@wvsenate.gov
Bill Hamilton (R – Upshur, 11) Co sponsor SB 578
Room 223W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7906
District Phone: (304) 472-1966
bill.hamilton@wvsenate.gov
Glenn D. Jeffries (R – Putnam, 08)
Room 214W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7866
glenn.jeffries@wvsenate.gov
Patrick S. Martin (R – Lewis, 12)
Majority Leader
Room 227M, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7845
patrick.martin@wvsenate.gov
Mark R. Maynard (R – Wayne, 06)
Room 441M, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7808
District Phone: (304) 360-6272
mark.maynard@wvsenate.gov
Robbie Morris (R – Randolph, 11)
Room 223W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7973
robbie.morris@wvsenate.gov
Michael A. Oliverio II (R – Monongalia, 13)
Room 206W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7919
mike.oliverio@wvsenate.gov
Rupie Phillips (R – Logan, 07)
Room 217W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7857
rupie.phillips@wvsenate.gov
Ben Queen (R – Harrison, 12)
Room 204W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7904
ben.queen@wvsenate.gov
Tom Takubo (R – Kanawha, 17)
Room 203W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7990
tom.takubo@wvsenate.gov
Darren Thorne (R – Hampshire, 15)
Room 200W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7980
darren.thorne@wvsenate.gov
Michael A. Woelfel (D – Cabell, 05)
Minority Leader
Room 245M, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7956
District Phone: (304) 522-6249
mike.woelfel@wvsenate.gov
Jack David Woodrum (R – Summers, 10)
Room 229W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7849
District Phone: (304) 660-9241
jack.woodrum@wvsenate.gov

March 14

HB 2158 and SB 578 are both in the Senate.   

These bills will remove the sunset clauses to continue funding for the WV State Spay Neuter program. 

Option 1) HB 2158 is in Senate Agriculture and 2nd referenced to Senate Gov. Org.  Comm.  HB 2158 has already passed the House so it just needs to get out of Senate Agriculture and then to Sen. Gov. Org and then to the Senate Floor and if passed then on to be signed by the Gov.  Now that is if there are no amendments and none are expected.   Our most direct move to success is HB 2158.   

Option 2) SB 578 is in Senate Finance but it would have to pass out of Senate Finance and on the Senate floor and move to the House before Crossover Day.    

The legislature is half over and the governor has only signed three bills so far.  The pivotal day will be Crossover Day, the 50th day of the legislative session.  This year Crossover Day is April 2.  All bills must be out of their house of origin.   That will leave 10 days to get one of our bills passed.   Except for the Senate AG Committee we are unsure of our support for our bills with all 34 Senators.  Since HB 2158 passed the House we know we have 95 of 100 delegates voting yes.

The best scenario would be on or before April 2nd  to have HB 2158 pass out of Senate AG and then head to its 2nd  referenced comm.,  Senate Gov. Org where Senator Rucker, one of our sponsors and supporters is chair of that committee!  Because that is such a good option, I have included a list of all the contact info for Senate Agriculture (scroll down)  and Gov. Org. for you here.   

Senate Gov. Org. is the committee that HB 2158 is 2nd referenced to after it passes Senate Agriculture.  Likely pass on Crossover Day April 2nd.

   Senate Government Organizations

Senator Rucker – Chair  Sponsor of SB 578 / same bill as HB 2158   Thank her
Senator Woodrum – Vice-Chair
Senator Barrett    He is the chair of Senate Finance where SB 578 is
Senator Chapman
Senator Charnock
Senator Hamilton
Senator Helton
Senator Jeffries
Senator Maynard
Senator Phillips
Senator Rose
Senator Thorne
Senator Willis
Senator Woelfel

Patricia Puertas Rucker (R – Jefferson, 16) Chair  Sponsor of SB 578 / same bill as HB 2158   Thank her 
Room 214W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7957
District Phone: (304) 279-1619
patricia.rucker@wvsenate.gov

Jack David Woodrum (R – Summers, 10)   Vice Chair
Room 229W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7849
District Phone: (304) 660-9241
jack.woodrum@wvsenate.gov

Jason Barrett (R – Berkeley, 16)
Room 461M, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7933
District Phone: (304) 886-9907
jason.barrett@wvsenate.gov

Senator Laura Wakim Chapman
District 1 Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall (part)
Capitol Phone: 304-357-7918
Laura.chapman@wvsenate.gov

Senator Anne Charnock
District 17 Kanawha (part)
Capitol Phone: 304-357-7854
Anne.charnock@wvsenate.gov

Bill Hamilton (R – Upshur, 11)
Room 223W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7906
District Phone: (304) 472-1966
bill.hamilton@wvsenate.gov

Senator Brian Helton
Capitol Phone: 304-357-7807
District 9 Fayetteville (part), Raleigh, Wyoming
Brian.helton@wvsenate.gov

Glenn D. Jeffries (R – Putnam, 08)
Room 214W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7866
glenn.jeffries@wvsenate.gov

Mark R. Maynard (R – Wayne, 06)
Room 441M, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7808
District Phone: (304) 360-6272
mark.maynard@wvsenate.gov

 

Rupie Phillips (R – Logan, 07)
Room 217W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7857
rupie.phillips@wvsenate.gov

Chris Rose (R – Monongalia, 02)
Room 209W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7902
chris.rose@wvsenate.gov

Senator Tom Willis
District 15 Hampshire, Morgan, Berkeley (part)
Capitol Phone: 304-357-7867
District Phone: 304-261-0169
Tom.willis@wvsenate.gov

Darren Thorne (R – Hampshire, 15)
Room 200W, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7980
darren.thorne@wvsenate.gov

Michael A. Woelfel (D – Cabell, 05)
Minority Leader
Room 245M, Building 1
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7956
District Phone: (304) 522-6249
mike.woelfel@wvsenate.gov

 

March 5

And a great overview of our bill!

SB 578 (our sunset removal clause SB bill to continue our funding just) passed unanimously out of Senate Agriculture to Senate Finance. Sen. Rucker, one of its sponsors spoke very supportively on this bill to the entire committee!

We are now on Step 2 in the Senate. We need SB 578 to get on the Sen. Finance Committee agenda and passed to the floor of the Senate with NO amendments. Twice as many here but some were on Senate Ag.

 Senate Districts WVSNP dollars by county 2018-2024 2.10.25        This list has every senate district and the WVSNP money awarded.    This is the Finance Committee and they will be responsive to the money issue!
98.5% comes from out of state and NO tax payer money.
SCROLL ALL WAY TO BOTTOM FOR SOME SAMPLE LETTERS!
The first hurdle!! HB 2158 passed the House today and has been referenced to Senate Ag.
HB 2158 passed on the House Floor 93 YEAS 5 NAYS 2 N/V
NAY Votes I ONLY FIND 4 NO VOTES!   See House tally board below
Coop Gonzales Dist, 67 Pendleton, Randolph
Dillon Dist 29 Mingo Wayne
Foggin Dist 14 Wood
White Dist 96 Berkeley
N/V Not voting
Steele Dist 42 Raleigh
Worrell Dist 23 Cabell HB 2158 Sponsor (sometimes a vote gets missed)
 

SB 578 has moved to the Senate Agriculture Agenda for March 5 at 2 pm.  This caught us by surprise so make sure to contact Senate Agriculture Commiottee Members.   They are listed below.   Scroll dow a little ways and thee  is the list of Senators!

HB 2158 will be on 3rd reading on the House Floor to be passed!  You should have called your delegates already so we can have a unanimous vote in the House on this bill to send it over to the Senate!

March 3

HB 3044  The purpose of this bill is to provide increased protections for the welfare of domestic animals in the care of animal shelters, breeders, and private individuals.   Delegates Mallow, Heckert, Brooks, Marple, DeVault, Miller, and T. Clark Referenced to House Gov. Org.

If we were not so caught up in getting the Spay neuter funding bill passed, these two bills are sure worth another look.  We need to find out more about these bills,   They have good sponsors and look to have good intent for cleaning up some code.   
HB 3130   The purpose of this bill is to provide increased protections for the welfare of domestic animals in the care of animal shelters and private individuals.  By Delegates Ferrell, McGeehan, Crouse, Dean, Stephens, Sheedy, Kimble, T. Howell, and Rohrbach  Referenced to House Gov. Org.  This seems a good bill with a cursory view of it.  

HB 3132 The purpose of this bill is to specify minimum levels of care to be provided by dog breeders; and to define when a dog is unfit for sale by a dog breeder and provide remedies therefor.  Delegates Ferrell, Ward, Sheedy, Pritt, McCormick, McGeehan, Crouse, Dean, Stephens, Kimble, and RohrbachReferenced to House Gov. Org.  This seems a good bill with a cursory view of it.

Feb 24

HB 2158 passed out of HB 2158 in the Local Government Subcommittee on Monday 2/24.

It did have one amendment with an insignificant title change but now it is referenced as committee substitute HB 2158.  It will be on day one in Government Organization Standing Committee on Tuesday 2/25.  Amy Moloney, FOHO Board member will be at the hearing to answer questions about this bill.   The final Government Organization Standing Committee vote will be on Thursday 2/27 and it will go to the House Floor for first reading on Friday 2/28 so long as there are no glitches.  It will then move to the Senate.

Status of HB 2158.  This information came from Del Doug Smith of Mercer.  He is an excellent lead sponsor for our bill.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?  CALL & EMAIL  YOUR HOUSE DELEGATES NOW FOR THE HOUSE FLOOR VOTE!  

SB 578  was introduced today in the Senate.  It is not the same title as HB 2158 but it is exactly the same bill text to remove the sunset clauses to continue the spay neuter funding.

SB 578: The purpose of this bill is to remove the sunset provisions on requiring an additional registration fee for a permit to sell or market commercial pet food, set to expire June 1, 2027, and June 30, 2027.  This bill is referenced to first, Senate Agriculture and then to Senate Finance. The lead sponsor is Senator Amy Grady of Mason, part of Cabell, Putnam and Jackson.   This bill is also sponsored by Sen. Patricia Rucker of Jefferson and part of Berkeley.

Your mission AFTER YOU CONTACT YOUR DELEGATES is to begin to CONTACT the Senators on the Senate Agriculture Committee and your own Senator to seek their support.

 

Feb. 20

Here are the members of the House Government Organization Committee  (You can send emails to them or to the members of the subcommittee (Local Governments) who also reside on both committees.
You can also access the list with links here:

House Government Organization Standing Committee Members (Delegates)   HB 2158 must be voted out of this committee to get to the floor of the House for passage.  Then it will move to the Senate.    

Chris Phillips   Chair Government Organization
District 68 Barbour Upshur
chris.phillips@wvhouse.gov    (304) 340-3192

Doug Smith    Vice Chair Government Organization      This the lead sponsor of HB 2158 -make sure to thank him!
District 39 Mercer
doug.smith@wvhouse.gov   (304) 340-3187

Kayla Young     Minority Chair & Minority Lead Pro Tempore.
District 56 Kanawha
kayla.young@wvhouse.gov   (304) 340-3362

Hollis Lewis     Minority Vice Chair
District 57 Kanawha
hollis.lewis@wvhouse.gov   (304) 340-3183

Stanley Adkins
District 49 Nicholas
stanley.adkins@wvhouse.gov (304) 340-3352

Eric Brooks
District 45 Fayette, Raleigh
eric.brooks@wvhouse.gov  (304) 877-8298

Ryan Browning
District 28 Wayne
ryan.browning@wvhouse.gov (304) 340-3126

Adam Burkhammer
District 64 Lewis, Upshur
adam.burkhammer@wvhouse.gov   (304) 340-3123

Jarrod Cannon
District 21 Putnam
jarred.cannon@wvhouse.gov (304) 340-3324

Wayne Clark
District 99 Jefferson
wayne.clark@wvhouse.gov (304) 340-3366

Marshall Clay
District 51 Fayette
marshall.clay@wvhouse.gov    (304) 340-3170

Mark Dean
District 34 Mingo, McDowell
mark.dean@wvhouse.gov (304) 340-3304

Michael Devault
District 74 Marion
mike.devault@wvhouse.gov    Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3249

Dana Ferrell
District 60 Kanawha
dana.ferrell@wvhouse.gov    Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3194

Dave Foggin
District 14, Wood
dave.foggin@wvhouse.gov     Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3136

John Paul Hott
District 85 Grant, Tucker
johnpaul.hott@wvhouse.gov    (304) 340-3399

Tresa Howell
District 52 Kanawha, Fayette
tresa.howell@wvhouse.gov    Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3287

Jonathan Kyle
District 66 Pocahontas, Randolph
jonathan.kyle@wvhouse.gov   Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3178

Tristan Levitt
District 53 Kanawha
tristan.leavitt@wvhouse.gov    Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3156

Patrick Lucas
District 24 Cabell
patrick.lucas@wvhouse.gov    Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3280

David McCormick
District 82 Monongalia
david.mccormick@wvhouse.gov    Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3127

Jonathan Pinson
District 17 Jackson, Mason
jonathan.pinson@wvhouse.gov    Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3146

Charles Sheedy
District 7 Marshall, Wetzel
charles.sheedy@wvhouse.gov    Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3111

Bryan Smith
District 73  Marion, Taylor
bryan.smith@wvhouse.gov    Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3139      District Phone: (304)709-0164

George Street
District 83 Preston
george.street@wvhouse.gov   Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3160

Bills introduced that may be of interest:

HB 2656  – To prohibit people taking their animals into a grocery store or a store that sells food if that animal is not a registered service animal  Pritt and Clark Referred to Judiciary

HB 2699 – To eliminate the dog tax  Referred to finance   Horst, Ridenour, Hornby, Masters, Crouse, White, Petitto, Bridges and Miller

HB 2715 –  Relating to county dog wardens  / The purpose of this bill is to increase the impoundment period for dogs and modify notice requirements.  Referred to Government Organization and sub committee Local Organization   Ward, Stevens and Sheedy

Feb. 19

HB 2158 was on the agenda of the Sub Comm. On Local Gov.
Listen to the first hearing on HB 2158 our remove the clause to continue the funding of our WVSNP grant program. It starts around 15 seconds into the archived recording.

https://home.wvlegislature.gov/archived-recordings/

Scroll down to Feb. 19 – 2:00 pm Sub. Comm. on Local Government.

Attending today was FOHO Board member Amy Moloney, Norm Bailey of WVDA and our lead sponsor of this bill, Del Doug Smith of Mercer County, all of whom speak to the bill. Lots of good questions that hopefully clear up issues for you too. There are a lot of new legislators since 2017 who are unaware of this bill and its success and how it is funded. That is your job to educate your legislators on this. The next meeting of this committee will be Feb. 25th which will be day 2 for HB 2158.

Make sure to email especially the chair, vice chair and any delegates you have on the Local Gov. comm and the Gov. Org. Comm. All can be found here.  Folks you have to do this. This is only the first step in the house then we move to the Senate. It takes effort to get a bill passed! The animals are worth it.

Feb. 18
Update on HB 2158. It is on the agenda for Loval Gov. Committee today at 2 pm. You should have sent emails to these delegates. They are below halfway down page in red: House Local Governments Subcommittee Members (Delegates)
It will go back to Standing Committee on Gov. Org. (see those delegates below and email them – if you did your job well you have already contacted half of them who are on Local Gov Comm so you only have half to go.  It will need to be passed out of Gov. Org. to the floor of the House where it will be voted on by the entire House.  When it passes out of the House, it will then go to the Senate.  Right now, we have no Senate bill but it is still pending.   

You can listen to the hearing today at 2 pm by linking from the legislative site to videos and audios on the dropdown menu.

Feb. 13

Please note that in talking with FOHO WV they are focused on the HB 2158.  They cannot be distracted by any other bills even those that certainly have merit which many animal welfare bills have.  The legislators will not sweep a lot of bill through this year.  We will be lucky to get one.   We are also focused on HB 2158.  

HB 2158 has already moved out of its Standing Committee, Gov. Organization to Local Governments Sub Committee before we could catch a breath.   This whole structure is new to us too but we are excited that within one day, we have a bill moving.  Let’s keep it going folks!    Here is an email you can alter to send to the members of the Local Governments Sub Committee.  Let’s face it, no one wants to read a canned email so make it personal for your area and pick out a few points to include.

“I am seeking your support for House Bill 2158 which removes the sunset clause for funding the West Virginia Spay Neuter Program.  WVSNP provided dollars to 84 humane organizations and county commissions in 54 counties in 2024.  Since 2018, over 85,000 dogs and cats have been altered with this money.   Please help us to continue this funding by referring this bill out of your committee to the standing committee Gov. Organization for their action to pass.

For your consideration, here are a few points to consider:

Totally funded by Pet food registration fee; no taxpayer dollars involved.

85,000 WV dogs and cats altered.

$4 million awarded, $1.9 million matched by grantees, $4 million from private donors.

Thanking you in advance for your support.”

House Local Governments Subcommittee Members  (Delegates)

Dana Ferrell   Chair of Local Governments

District 60 Kanawha

dana.ferrell@wvhouse.gov   Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3194

Charles Sheedy   Vice-Chair of Local Governments

District 7 Marshall, Wetzel

charles.sheedy@wvhouse.gov   Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3111

Stanley Adkins

District 49 Nicholas

stanley.adkins@wvhouse.gov     (304) 340-3352

Eric Brooks

District 45 Fayette, Raleigh

eric.brooks@wvhouse.gov     (304) 877-8298

Ryan Browning

District 28 Wayne

ryan.browning@wvhouse.gov    (304) 340-3126

Adam Burkhammer

District 64 Lewis, Upshur

adam.burkhammer@wvhouse.gov     (304) 340-3123

Marshall Clay

District 51 Fayette

marshall.clay@wvhouse.gov (304) 340-3170

Michael Devault

District 74 Marion

mike.devault@wvhouse.gov Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3249

Dave Foggin

District 14, Wood

dave.foggin@wvhouse.gov   Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3136

Tresa Howell

District 52 Kanawha, Fayette

tresa.howell@wvhouse.gov  Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3287

Jonathan Kyle

District 66 Pocahontas, Randolph

jonathan.kyle@wvhouse.gov   Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3178

Tristan Levitt

District 53 Kanawha

tristan.leavitt@wvhouse.gov  Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3156

David McCormick

District 82 Monongalia

david.mccormick@wvhouse.gov Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3127

Kayla Young     Minority Chair & Minority Lead Pro Tempore.

District 56 Kanawha

kayla.young@wvhouse.gov (304) 340-3362

 

Feb 12

HB 2158  has been introduced!  relating to removal of a sunset clause for the West Virginia spay and neuter program  This is the bill we have been waiting for that removes the sunset clause from our State Spay Neuter Funding.   The bill has been referenced into Government Organization Committee.  That standing House Committee is listed on the legislative website.   The bill will go from this committee to a subcommitte on Agriculture if it passes Gov. Org.  Above note the flowchart of the committee structure in the house in 2025.

The lead sponsor is Del Doug Smith of Mercer County joined by the following sponsors.  If any are your delegates, give them a shout out of thanks!   Ask them how you can help them to get this passed too!

Sponsors HB 2158 D County Email Phone
Doug Smith 39 Mercer doug.smith@wvhouse.gov  (304) 340-3187
Kathie Hess Crouse 19 Putnam kathie.crouse@wvhouse.gov (304) 340-3118
Evan Worrell 23 Cabell evan.worrell@wvhouse.gov (304) 340-3269
Scot Heckett 13 Wood scot.heckert@wvhouse.gov (304) 340-3394
Clay Riley 72 Harrison Wetzel clay.riley@wvhouse.gov (304) 340-3144
Erica Moore 15 Roane Wirt erica.moore@wvhouse.gov (304) 340-3185
Sarah Drennan 20 Putnam sarah.drennan@wvhouse.gov (304) 340-3121

  

Here are the other bills of interest that were introduced today, Feb. 12:

SB 174:  On the legislative site, it indicates that the purpose of this bill is to clarify what constitutes shelter for animals exposed to cold weather.  However, the bill was altered last year adding a hot weather extreme also.  The purpose of this bill is to provide added protection for animals exposed to extreme weather.
Sponsor is Sen. Chapman of Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall (part)Brooke – referred to Agriculture and Judiciary.

SB 151     The purpose of this bill is to make it unlawful to harm, attempt to harm, or kill a police dog that is under the control of a law-enforcement or corrections officer who is acting in his or her official capacity. The bill also defines the term “police dog” and sets forth penalties.     Sen. Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall (part) – referenced to Judiciary

SB 150 – The purpose of this bill relates to cruelty to animals.  The bill creates and defines the felony offense of cruelty to animals; modifies and clarifies applicability of the section; defines terms; and creates criminal penalties.     Sen. Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall (part) – referenced to Judiciary

HB 2043    The purpose of this bill is to authorize the use of drones and dogs while hunting and describe their administration.   Del. Burkhammer of Lewis and Upshur  – Referenced  to Gov. Organization

HB 2068   The purpose of this bill is to prohibit activities connected with sexual abuse of an animal; establish criminal penalties; provide for forfeiture of animals, payment of associated costs, and restrictions on owning animals upon conviction.  Del Young  Kanawha   – referenced to Judiciary

HB 2204   The purpose of this bill is to establish a state animal abuse register; the bill requires all those convicted of animal abuse to register and directs the State Police to maintain a registry of registered animal abusers; and establishes criminal penalty for failure to register.   Del Steele of Raleigh.  referenced to Judiciary

Sample Letter Ideas for WVSNP Funding for SB 578 and HB 2158 

I would like to ask four important questions whose answers will make one of your many decisions very simple.

  1. Would you like to take credit for reducing pet overpopulation and the use of euthanasia as a means of animal control in West Virginia?
  2. Would you like to pass a bill that helps thousands of your constituents that love animals without raising their taxes?
  3. Would you like to guarantee that a program responsible for paying WV veterinarians $ 4,194,743 to spay and/or neuter more than 85,000 dogs and cats in just 7 years, bringing in over $4 million in grants, will continue beyond 2027?
  4. Would you like to boast that West Virginia is one of only five states that address pet overpopulation with a state-wide spay/neuter program?

Of course, you would!   I am asking that you please pass SB 578 out of the Senate Finance committee. This bill will remove the sunset clauses to continue funding for the WV State Spay Neuter program.

84 current grant recipients are asking you to answer yes to all of the questions. Please meet us at the lower rotunda on March 25 for Spay Neuter Awareness Day and be our guests at the Clay Center that evening.  We will all be wearing red t-shirts.

Another one:

 

I am asking that you please pass SB 578 out of the Senate Finance committee. This bill will remove the sunset clauses to continue funding for the WV State Spay Neuter program.

This program is funded by an increase in the Pet Food Registration Fee which is paid annually to the WVDA for the 12,935 pet food brands sold in WV. The pet food companies sold $356M of products in WV in 2023 – their contribution to WVSNP ($450,000) represented one-tenth of one percent of sales.  There are NO taxpayer dollars used in this funding.

Over $4 million has additionally entered our economy to spay-neuter by an out-of-state donor impressed by our state spay-neuter initiative.  More than $1.9 million has been matched by local groups and county commissions.  It is truly WV tackling a problem successfully and aggressively.

In your Senate district from 2018-2024, WVSNP has awarded this amount to assist your constituents in spaying and neutering their animals.

(I used the chairman here Sen. Barrett. All of you need to email him.  You must personalize by Senate district)

Senate dist. 16 WVSNP Senator
Berkeley part $175,758 Jason Barrett jason.barrett@wvsenate.gov
Jefferson $49,347 Patricia Rucker patricia.rucker@wvsenate.gov
$225,105

With over 85,000 dogs and cats altered. this funding has had a great impact on underserved communities and rural areas in our great state. Overpopulation of any animal is a public health hazard- it should be noted that every cat not already vaccinated MUST receive a rabies vaccine when spayed/neutered.

Our supporters will be attending the WV Spay and Neuter Awareness Day at the capitol on March 25, 2025. Hopefully, it will be to THANK YOU for assisting us with continuing to help the communities of West Virginia.   Please join us at a reception at the Clay Center on the evening of March 25 at 5:30.  Thank you,

And another few points to incorporate into a letter

 

  • Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers’ dollars can be saved by reducing pet overpopulation
  • 85,115 WV dogs and cats sterilized in 7 years, each guaranteed to also receive a rabies shot
  • Lowering pet overpopulation reduces incidents of cruelty, neglect, human/animal conflicts, and community health hazards.
  • Euthanasia is down 64% from 2016 to 2023.
  • Shelter intake down 22% from 2016 to 2023 saving $2M tax dollars.

This funding has a great impact on underserved communities and rural areas in our great state. Overpopulation of any animal is a public health hazard- it should be noted that every cat not already vaccinated MUST receive a rabies vaccine when spayed/neutered.

It should also be noted that these grant dollars MUST be spent in West Virginia! (An added bonus for our economy!)