Del. Bill Ridenour

Maddy summaryHB 5587 requires school buses to have cameras that automatically send footage of drivers illegally passing stopped buses directly to law enforcement for ticketing. It applies to drivers who violate school bus stop laws (e.g., passing when flashing lights are active), which currently carry fines and license suspensions. The bill adds a new enforcement mechanism: camera footage is transmitted directly to police without manual reporting, streamlining the process for issuing citations. This directly affects drivers who fail to stop for school buses, with penalties ranging from $500 fines for first offenses to jail time for repeat or severe violations causing injury or death.

Maddy summaryHB 5660 amends West Virginia's statute governing concealed weapons licenses, updating the process for obtaining a permit to carry deadly weapons (specifically pistols and revolvers). It affects both West Virginia residents (requiring a $50 fee) and nonresidents (requiring a $100 fee), who must submit detailed applications verifying citizenship/residency, age (21+), criminal history (no recent felonies/misdemeanors involving violence or domestic abuse), and background checks. The bill specifies required applicant information including personal details, proof of lawful status, and compliance with federal firearm restrictions. It also waives the weapon-handling qualification requirement for renewal applicants. This legislation modifies existing licensing procedures without changing the core eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill gives the West Virginia Secretary of State the authority to refer suspected election law violations to county prosecuting attorneys for investigation. When the Secretary of State identifies potential election fraud or irregularities, the county prosecutor must forward the matter to the West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Institute, which then appoints a special prosecutor to review the allegations. The special prosecutor must provide written updates to the Secretary of State within 60 days and every 60 days thereafter until a decision is made about whether to pursue criminal charges. The appointed special prosecutor serves without additional pay beyond reimbursement for travel and related expenses, and county commissions cover these allowable costs.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life and legacy of the late West Virginia legislator Larry D. Kump, who passed away on February 28, 2026. The resolution formally expresses the House of Delegates' condolences to Kump's family and acknowledges his service as a representative for Berkeley County across three different terms. It recognizes his career in criminal justice and mediation, his commitment to limited government, and his role as a devoted family member and church leader. The document is a ceremonial tribute rather than a law that changes policy or affects public programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4894, the "West Virginia Utility Affordability and Economic Competitiveness Act," prohibits utility companies from raising rates for one year (a moratorium) and establishes a phased approach to reduce high utility costs for West Virginia residents and businesses. It requires utilities to evaluate all costs - including base rates, fees, environmental impacts, and long-term system reliability - when making future rate decisions, rather than focusing solely on individual projects. The bill directly affects all West Virginia households and businesses that pay utility bills, aiming to lower the state’s position as having some of the highest combined electricity and water costs in the U.S. The law mandates that affordability be measured by total system costs and competitiveness relative to neighboring states, not just immediate rate changes.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the Capitol Building Commission and Department of Administration to assess and address hazardous trees along California Avenue and Kanawha Boulevard on the State Capitol Complex grounds. The resolution requests an immediate evaluation of trees that have caused property damage through falling limbs and broken trunks over the past two years. It specifically asks officials to trim trees back to the grass side of sidewalks or remove and replace hazardous trees to protect public safety and state property. This non-binding resolution directs state agencies to take preventative maintenance actions without mandating specific enforcement measures.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 4604) amends West Virginia law to clarify payment procedures for public defender panel attorneys handling abuse and neglect cases. It requires attorneys to submit detailed time and expense records via electronic vouchers within 90 business days of case completion, with payments processed within 45 days if approved. If payments are rejected or reduced, the bill establishes a 15-day appeal process to the appointing court, prohibiting the requirement of privileged client information during disputes. The changes directly affect public defender offices and appointed attorneys, streamlining payment accountability without altering case handling standards.

Maddy summaryHB 5228 clarifies West Virginia's definition of "electioneering" to prohibit campaign-related activities near polling places. It bans displaying candidate logos, campaign materials, or verbally advocating for/against candidates or ballot questions within 100 feet of polling entrances on election day. The bill exempts news media conducting exit polls and vehicle bumper stickers parked within 100 feet while voters are entering. Violations carry fines of $100-$1,000 or up to one year in jail, and election officials or law enforcement may enforce these rules.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 18) formally congratulates the West Virginia All Airborne Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Association for being named "Chapter of the Year for 2025" by the national association. It recognizes specific achievements listed in the resolution, including the chapter's "82nd Airborne Mustang" symbol, disaster relief efforts in California and Tennessee, fundraising for community events like Bridge Day and Christmas dinners, and their "All the Way" spirit. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it merely offers formal recognition to the veterans' chapter. The resolution was introduced in the West Virginia House of Delegates on February 19, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow public schools and charter schools in West Virginia to refuse enrollment to students who are unlawfully present in the United States, provided the student or their parent has exhausted all available legal appeals. The legislation requires schools to verify a student's immigration status through documentation before enrollment, accepting only U.S. citizenship, citizenship applications, or legal visa status as valid proof. By adding a new section to state law, the bill creates an eligibility standard for public school enrollment that differs from current federal precedent, permitting schools to deny access to students with final removal orders without charging tuition.