Rep. Gene Ward

Maddy summaryHB 1443 establishes a high school law enforcement curriculum-to-career pipeline program, directly affecting high school students and local law enforcement agencies. The bill allocates state funds to develop and implement a structured curriculum that connects classroom learning with career opportunities in law enforcement. Key provisions include creating standardized training modules for students and partnerships with law enforcement agencies to facilitate internships and job placement. This program aims to provide students with practical skills and pathways into public safety careers through targeted educational programming. The bill was introduced on January 23, 2025, and referred to relevant committees for further review.

Requires state agencies to offer individuals who resigned or were dismissed from employment for not complying with vaccination or testing requirements the option to be reinstated, with back pay, to the position that person held prior to their termination.

Maddy summaryHB 1441 creates a new criminal offense for "organized retail theft," defined as coordinated thefts involving multiple people or large-scale operations targeting retail businesses. It establishes specific penalties for this offense, including potential fines and imprisonment. The bill also mandates the creation of an organized retail theft task force to investigate and address such incidents. This legislation directly affects retail businesses, law enforcement agencies, and individuals committing organized theft. The task force will coordinate efforts between state and local authorities to tackle this specific type of crime.

Prohibits the State and counties from adopting or ordaining any rules, regulations, or ordinances that infringe upon a parent's right to direct the upbringing, education, care, and welfare of the parent's child, except in certain narrowly tailored circumstances.

Maddy summaryHB 1419 defines the specific stages of wildfire suppression efforts, clarifying the phases used by fire agencies during emergencies. This bill directly affects fire departments, emergency responders, and communities facing wildfire risks by standardizing terminology for coordinated action. The key provision establishes a clear framework for identifying and communicating suppression stages, improving operational clarity during incidents. As a procedural bill focused on terminology, it does not create new programs or funding but ensures consistent understanding of response protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 1340 makes it a more serious offense to commit any crime against a person aged 60 or older, regardless of the perpetrator's intent. The bill establishes "strict liability," meaning the crime is automatically treated as aggravated solely because the victim was elderly. This directly affects older adults (60+) who are victims of crimes and the individuals who commit those crimes. The bill is newly introduced (first reading on January 23, 2025) and currently referred to committees for review.

Establishes civil liability for any commercial entity that knowingly or intentionally publishes or distributes materially harmful to minors without following certain age verification requirements.

Establishes the Insurance Affordability Assistance Pilot Program within the Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to assist eligible homeowners with sudden increases in property insurance premiums. Sunsets 6/30/2028.

Maddy summaryHB 1251 creates a refundable income tax credit to help property owners offset increased real property insurance premiums. It directly affects owners of specific properties where insurance costs have risen significantly. The credit works by reducing the owner's income tax bill dollar-for-dollar for the portion of premium increases exceeding a set threshold. This policy change provides direct financial relief for affected property owners without requiring new government spending.

Expands programming and training for the comprehensive offender re-entry program under the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to reduce the rate of recidivism and increase inmate marketability and workforce readiness. Appropriates funds.