Del. Bob Fehrenbacher

Maddy summaryHB 4089, known as "Jessica Huffman's Law," requires health insurers in West Virginia to cover scalp cooling systems for patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy starting January 1, 2027. The bill mandates that any insurance policy covering chemotherapy must include coverage for these devices - described as tools to prevent hair loss during treatment - as defined by Medicare and Medicaid. This applies to policies issued or renewed after 2026, with coverage subject to standard deductibles and coinsurance like other medical benefits. The law directly affects cancer patients seeking hair preservation and insurers offering chemotherapy coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 4088 updates West Virginia's regulations for certified public accountants (CPAs), affecting current and future licensees, accounting firms, and out-of-state applicants seeking to practice in the state. The bill revises education, examination, and experience requirements for CPA certification, clarifies licensing processes for out-of-state applicants, and updates rules for "substantial equivalency" practice privileges. It also modifies the Board of Accountancy's rule-making authority, establishes new conditions for issuing and renewing authorizations to perform accounting services, and updates prohibited actions and disciplinary measures for licensees and firms.

Maddy summaryHB 4028 exempts construction contractors from West Virginia's sales and use taxes on building materials and services used for constructing, repairing, or improving public elementary, secondary, or vocational school facilities. This applies to materials permanently installed in school buildings (like framing, wiring, or plumbing), but excludes tools, equipment, gasoline, or motor vehicle purchases. The bill directly affects contractors working on public school projects by reducing their costs for qualifying materials. It clarifies that this exemption applies to both state-level and municipal sales taxes on eligible school construction work. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2026, with no new revenue impact on the state.

Maddy summaryHB 4053 establishes the "Blue Envelope Program" to improve communication between law enforcement and drivers with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or intellectual/developmental disabilities during traffic stops. Eligible drivers (with a valid license/permit) can request a specially designed blue envelope containing their license, registration, and emergency contact information, along with a vehicle decal and communication guidance for officers. The program, set to launch January 1, 2027, will be administered through the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, sheriff's offices, and police stations.

Maddy summaryHB 4625 amends West Virginia's definitions for property transfer excise taxes, clarifying which transactions qualify for tax exemptions. It removes an existing exemption for certain property transfers while adding new exemptions for transfers between family members (spouse, parent-child, grandparent-grandchild, siblings) and between charitable organizations. The bill also refines definitions of key terms like "document," "value," and "person" to better determine tax applicability. These changes directly affect individuals and entities involved in property sales or gifts, particularly in family or charitable contexts, by altering which transfers are exempt from the excise tax.

Maddy summaryHB 5398 modifies West Virginia's oil and gas well plugging funding mechanism to enable access to federal matching funds. It requires that if the state's well-plugging fund holds less than $6 million in unencumbered funds by September 30 each year, the state can receive federal money to plug abandoned oil and gas wells. The bill amends tax provisions related to oil and gas production but focuses on the fund's balance threshold as the key trigger for federal funding eligibility. This directly affects the state's oil and gas well plugging program and its ability to secure federal resources for abandoned well remediation.

Maddy summaryThe West Virginia Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Growth Act creates a new program within the West Virginia Department of Commerce to support aerospace and advanced manufacturing businesses. The program will identify qualifying projects (including manufacturing, maintenance, and research of aircraft components), assign a dedicated liaison to assist with development and access to existing state tax incentives, and maintain confidential records of these projects. It also establishes a workforce training program to develop skilled workers for the aerospace industry. This bill directly affects aerospace companies and projects operating in West Virginia, such as those involved in aircraft assembly, engine production, and component manufacturing.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the severance tax rate on metallurgical coal produced in West Virginia, affecting coal mining companies that extract this type of coal. The new rates will take effect in stages starting July 1, 2026, lowering the tax from 5% to 4.5% for the first year, then to 4% the following year, and finally to 3.5% beginning July 1, 2028. Metallurgical coal is defined as coal used for making steel and other metals, distinct from thermal coal used for electricity generation. The tax reduction applies to the gross value of coal produced and includes additional local taxes that are normally part of the total severance tax.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead property tax exemption in West Virginia from $20,000 to $50,000. It directly affects homeowners and mobile home owners who are at least 65 years old or permanently disabled, as well as younger homeowners who would receive a phased-in exemption starting at a lower value. The amendment would allow the state legislature to set specific rules for how the exemption applies, including a five-year phase-in period for properties appraised before the law takes effect. Additionally, the bill grants the legislature authority to provide property tax relief to tenants of residential or farm property. The measure requires approval by voters at the 2026 general election to become part of the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThe WV Load Forecast Accountability Act (HB 4481) requires West Virginia's Public Service Commission to review and validate the electricity demand forecasts submitted by local utilities to PJM (the regional grid operator), ensuring accuracy and transparency. The Commission must assess utility data and assumptions within 12 months, verify that only likely-to-develop projects (e.g., data centers) are included based on financial commitments, and coordinate with PJM and neighboring states to prevent double-counting of new energy demands. This oversight aims to protect consumers from unnecessary costs by aligning forecasts with realistic grid planning needs.