Del. Pat McGeehan

Maddy summaryHB 3012 changes how lottery revenue from racetrack video games is distributed in West Virginia. It creates a "Licensed Racetrack Modernization Fund" within the state lottery fund, funded by a portion of racetrack revenue after administrative costs (capped at 4% of gross terminal income). Racetracks can receive a 50% recoupment ($1 for every $2 spent) for facility improvements like new video lottery terminals or building upgrades, with unused funds carrying over for one additional year before reverting to the lottery fund. These rules apply to fiscal years 2011 through 2030.

Maddy summaryHB 2067, the West Virginia Firearms Liability Clarification Act, clarifies that firearm owners or sellers are generally not liable for civil lawsuits related to firearms they lawfully possess or transfer, unless negligence or intentional misconduct is proven. This law directly affects firearm owners, sellers, and businesses involved in gun transactions by limiting their civil liability in specific scenarios. The bill, now law after being approved by the Governor on April 25, 2025, establishes clear legal standards to prevent frivolous lawsuits targeting lawful firearm activities.

Maddy summaryHB 2718 creates a State Advisory Council to study and provide recommendations on establishing a military college within the state. The council will consist of appointed state officials and community representatives who will examine feasibility, structure, and funding options for the college. This bill directly affects state education and military affairs officials responsible for forming the council and implementing its findings. As a procedural measure, it does not establish the college itself but sets up a formal process for future consideration. The bill became law on April 25, 2025 (Chapter 178, Acts of the 2025 Regular Session).

Maddy summaryHB 2548 clarifies the specific responsibilities of the state superintendent when implementing state education rules. It directly affects the state superintendent's office and education agencies by defining exactly how they must handle rule adoption and enforcement. The bill specifies that the superintendent must provide written guidance to school districts on rule implementation timelines and procedures. This change removes ambiguity in current processes, ensuring consistent application of education regulations across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2121 extends an existing property tax exemption to widowed spouses of disabled veterans who died while receiving service-connected disability benefits. Previously, this exemption expired upon the veteran's death, but the bill allows widows to retain the tax break after their spouse's passing. It directly affects surviving spouses of veterans with service-connected disabilities who were receiving benefits at the time of death. The law, effective July 31, 2025, modifies the state's property tax code to maintain this benefit for qualifying widows.

Maddy summaryHB 3297 establishes the Washington Center for Civics, Culture, and Statesmanship at West Virginia University. The bill creates a new academic center focused on teaching civics, American culture, and leadership principles, directly affecting West Virginia University as its host institution. It authorizes the university to develop programs and use state funds for the center’s operations, with no additional funding specified in the bill text. The bill became law on April 30, 2025, as Chapter 149 of the 2025 Acts.

Maddy summaryHB 3016 requires voters to present a valid photo identification card when casting an in-person ballot at polling places. This law directly affects voters who do not already possess a qualifying photo ID at the time of voting. The key provision mandates that voters show one of several approved photo IDs (such as a state-issued driver's license or passport), and provides for provisional ballots if a voter lacks acceptable ID. The bill does not change absentee voting rules or apply to voting by mail. It became law on April 30, 2025, after Governor approval.

Maddy summaryHCR 99 is a legislative resolution requesting the Joint Standing Committee on the Judiciary to study policies preventing financial fraud and scams in West Virginia. It directs the committee to examine current state laws, review national approaches, and focus on four key areas: reducing robocalls and spoofing, addressing cryptocurrency-related scams (noting $1.4 million in losses in 2023), improving victim restitution, and protecting against property title fraud. The resolution cites data showing 8,000 West Virginians lost $27 million to fraud in 2024, with national losses exceeding $12.5 billion. The committee must report findings and recommendations to the legislature, governor, and attorney general by December 31, 2025. This is a study resolution, not a law, and does not create immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryHCR 88 is a ceremonial resolution honoring two West Virginia first responders nominated for the Medal of Valor. It specifically recognizes Captain Donald Lawson (New Martinsville Police) for rescuing two people from carbon monoxide poisoning despite his own hospitalization, and Darrell Lambert (Lake Volunteer Firefighter) for entering a burning building without protective gear to save a trapped resident, sustaining burns in the process. The resolution formally confirms the Legislature's approval of their award and directs the House Clerk to send a copy to Governor Morrisey. This is a symbolic honor with no new policy or funding changes, directly affecting only these two nominees. It passed unanimously in both chambers on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2777 simplifies documentation requirements for home-schooled children in West Virginia by establishing a digital "School Choice Portal" and email option for parents to submit required notices of intent. It replaces previous paper-based submission methods with these electronic alternatives, while still requiring parents to provide details about instruction subjects and annual assessments. The bill directly affects families homeschooling children who qualify for exemption under West Virginia's compulsory attendance laws. The portal must be operational by the 2025-2026 school year and will meet security and accessibility standards.