Del. Bob Fehrenbacher

Maddy summaryHB 3032 would automatically extend West Virginia's corporate net income tax filing deadline for businesses that receive an automatic extension from the federal government. Specifically, it changes the due date for state tax returns to be no later than one month after the federal deadline, including any federal extension period. This applies to corporations filing state returns for tax years starting January 1, 2026, and eliminates late-filing penalties for taxpayers who file within that one-month window after their federal extension ends. The bill directly affects corporations that already qualify for federal filing extensions, aligning state and federal tax deadlines without requiring additional applications.

Maddy summaryHB 3033 shortens the time limit for suing over contract disputes in West Virginia. It reduces the statute of limitations for written contracts from 10 years to 5 years and for oral contracts from 5 years to 3 years. This change directly affects individuals and businesses entering into written or verbal agreements, as they would have less time to file legal claims if a contract is breached. The bill amends West Virginia Code §55-2-6 to align the state's rules with those of most other states. The legislation is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee after its introduction on February 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2999 amends West Virginia law to extend the payment deadline for fees charged by county fire prevention units from 75 days to 180 days after a fire service response. This change directly affects property owners, businesses, or individuals responsible for paying fire department charges for services like firefighting, rescue, or hazardous material cleanup. The bill requires these fees to be itemized in writing and allows fire departments to pursue legal action for unpaid fees after 90 days if no payment plan is established. The amendment specifically updates Section 7-1-3d of the West Virginia Code regarding fee collection timelines.

Maddy summaryHB 3022 would allow West Virginia's Division of Motor Vehicles to issue special license plates featuring autism awareness. Vehicle owners who apply can choose this plate design by paying a $10 one-time fee and a $15 annual fee, with both fees deposited into the State Road Fund. The bill amends existing law to authorize this specific plate type, without changing autism support services or funding. It directly affects West Virginia residents who wish to display this awareness plate on their vehicles.

Maddy summaryHB 3023 requires every West Virginia county school board to employ at least one full-time school nurse for each public school, based on kindergarten through seventh-grade enrollment (one nurse per 1,500 students or major fraction). County boards may contract with public health departments for equivalent services if approved by the state board, and the state may provide funding to support additional health services beyond the minimum requirement. The bill mandates school nurses be licensed registered professionals and establishes standards for trained school employees (like teachers or aides) to assist with specialized health procedures under nurse supervision. It also creates a council of school nurses to develop training standards and recommends a procedural manual for implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 2928 creates two tax credits for West Virginia residents aged 18-40: a credit equal to accumulated student loan interest (or $1,000 annually for graduates without loans) and a refundable child care credit matching federal dependent care deductions. It applies to tax years starting January 1, 2025, and requires taxpayers to have lived in West Virginia for at least three years. The bill directly affects young professionals with student debt or child care costs, offering cash payments for qualifying expenses. It does not change existing tax rates but provides new refundable credits to reduce state income tax liability.

Maddy summaryHB 2784 amends West Virginia's workers' compensation laws to clarify that employers maintaining proper coverage are generally exempt from lawsuits for employee injuries. It specifies employees cannot recover under workers' comp for self-inflicted injuries or injuries caused by their own intoxication, while requiring employers to have reasonable suspicion before testing for intoxication. The bill adds that employees may recover if an injury resulted from an employer's "deliberate intention" to cause harm. It repeals an outdated section (§23-2-6a) related to exemptions for employer officers and managers. This bill directly affects employees and employers in West Virginia's workers' compensation system.

Maddy summaryHB 2783 would require West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources to establish new rules for hunting antlered deer, subject to legislative approval. The rules would limit hunters to harvesting two antlered deer per season: the first can be taken by any method, but the second must have at least three scorable points on one antler. Hunters would not be permitted to harvest additional antlered deer after reaching this two-deer limit. This bill directly affects licensed deer hunters in West Virginia by setting specific, measurable criteria for antlered deer harvests.

Maddy summaryHB 2751 authorizes Mason County to levy a special sales tax on tangible personal property and services sold within the Town of Henderson's Economic Opportunity Development District. This tax, which would fund local economic development efforts, applies specifically to businesses operating in Henderson and requires no additional approval from the state development office. The bill amends state law to allow Mason County Commission to establish this district and set tax rates without seeking prior state authorization. It directly affects businesses selling goods or services in Henderson and directs the tax revenue toward supporting the town's economic growth.

Maddy summaryHB 2791, the "Public Adjuster Professional Standards Reform Act," establishes new licensing requirements and standards for public adjusters in West Virginia. It requires all public adjusters to obtain a state license by meeting age, background, and exam criteria, and mandates financial responsibility through a $5,000 surety bond or $50,000 letter of credit. The bill also creates specific contract rules between adjusters and insured clients, defines insureds' rights, and sets penalties for violations of these standards. This directly affects public adjusters (professionals hired by policyholders to handle insurance claims) and the homeowners or businesses they represent. The law aims to strengthen oversight of this profession through clearer licensing, financial safeguards, and enforceable contract terms.