Del. Bill Ridenour

Maddy summaryHB 2079 prohibits public sewer districts serving at least 4,500 customers with $3 million+ annual revenue from requiring mandatory hook-up fees or installation charges for new or expanded sewer systems. The bill amends West Virginia law to eliminate these fees, directly affecting homeowners and property developers connecting to municipal sewer infrastructure. Key provisions require sewer districts to establish rates based on usage, fixtures, or customer count instead of connection charges, while maintaining public notice requirements for rate changes. This policy change removes a financial barrier for property owners connecting to existing or new sewer systems.

Maddy summaryHB 2550 clarifies that defendants in West Virginia municipal court are entitled to a trial by jury only if charged with an offense carrying potential jail time or fines exceeding $5,000. This directly affects individuals facing minor municipal court charges, such as traffic violations or low-level misdemeanors with fines of $5,000 or less, as they will no longer automatically qualify for a jury trial. The bill modifies existing law to establish this clear threshold, ensuring jury trials are reserved for more serious cases. It does not alter other municipal court procedures, such as background checks for judges or continuing education requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2578 amends West Virginia law to increase the maximum number of children allowed in informal family child care homes from 12 to 13 per home. This change directly affects unlicensed family child care providers operating in their residences, who previously could care for no more than 12 children. The bill modifies the definition of "child care" under §49-1-206 to reflect this updated limit, without altering licensing requirements or safety standards for these homes. The policy change specifically applies to informal family child care settings, not licensed child care centers (which already allow 13+ children).

Maddy summaryHB 2549 would extend the term of office for county sheriffs in West Virginia from four years to six years. Currently, sheriffs are elected every four years at the general election, but this bill would change the election cycle to every six years, resulting in longer terms and fewer elections for the office. The bill directly affects all county sheriffs across West Virginia by altering the standard term length for the position. It amends §3-1-17 of the West Virginia Code to replace "every fourth year" with "every sixth year" for sheriff elections, starting from the 2028 election.

Maddy summaryHB 2567 would allow the death penalty for anyone convicted of intentionally killing a law enforcement officer or first responder while they are performing their duties. This bill specifically targets murders of these public safety workers by adding their status as an "aggravating circumstance" that automatically triggers the death penalty if proven with physical evidence like DNA or an uncoerced confession. The law requires a separate sentencing hearing where a jury must unanimously agree on the death penalty after reviewing aggravating and mitigating factors, with automatic Supreme Court review of all death penalty cases. It also details execution procedures, including lethal injection or firing squad, and administrative steps for carrying out the sentence.

Maddy summaryHB 2574 prohibits public West Virginia colleges and universities from requiring "diversity statements" during admissions, hiring, or promotions, and bans preferential treatment based on race, sex, or other protected characteristics. The bill defines prohibited "diversity training" as any program teaching concepts like systemic racism, structural inequity, or identity-based privilege, and restricts institutions from using race-neutral alternatives that intentionally produce racial outcomes. It requires annual compliance certification to the Legislative Oversight Commission and allows applicants to voluntarily share diversity statements or provide information about academic work, pedagogy, or anti-discrimination compliance. The law directly affects all public higher education institutions in West Virginia, altering their admissions, employment, and training practices.

Maddy summaryHB 2573 would exempt married individuals or surviving spouses claiming four or more dependent children from paying West Virginia state income tax starting in 2026. The bill applies to taxpayers filing as married or surviving spouse with four or more children who qualify as dependents under federal tax rules (26 U.S.C. §152(c)(1)). It directly affects families meeting these specific filing status and dependent child criteria, removing state income tax liability for their household income. The exemption takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and applies to all subsequent years while the filer maintains the qualifying status.

Maddy summaryHB 2577 modifies West Virginia's unemployment benefit disqualification rules to shorten periods when workers lose benefits. It specifically allows individuals who return to their previous employer within 14 days after a layoff (due to lack of work) to avoid disqualification for benefits. The bill affects unemployed workers who leave jobs voluntarily or face discharge, clarifying that re-employment with a prior employer under these conditions prevents benefit loss. It does not change maximum benefit amounts but adjusts eligibility rules for specific job separation scenarios. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2526 requires West Virginia public schools to designate shared restrooms and changing areas exclusively for students based on the sex assigned at birth, as listed on their original birth certificate. It mandates that schools provide single-occupancy restrooms as a "reasonable accommodation" for students unable to use designated facilities, but prohibits access to restrooms designated for the opposite sex. Violations could result in fines up to $500 for school officials like principals or superintendents, with parents able to sue if students encounter opposite-sex individuals in designated areas without permission. The bill excludes accommodations needed under the Americans with Disabilities Act or for young children requiring physical assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 2544 would remove the requirement for direct physician supervision for physician assistants and certified nurse practitioners in West Virginia. The bill repeals specific sections of state law (§30-3E-10a and §30-3E-11) that previously mandated in-person supervision and amends other provisions to prevent future rules requiring it. This change would allow these healthcare providers to practice more independently, as long as they maintain collaboration with a physician via telecommunication. The bill directly affects physician assistants and nurse practitioners by expanding their scope of practice under current collaborative frameworks.