Del. Scot Heckert

Maddy summaryHB 5218 requires the West Virginia Secretary of State to notify individuals or entities named as respondents in election law complaints. Respondents must then submit a written response within 10 business days of receiving this notice. The bill applies to all complaints filed under West Virginia election law regarding alleged violations of campaign finance or election rules. This change establishes a clear timeline for respondents to address allegations before the Secretary of State proceeds with further action.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits operating any drone within 100 feet of a polling place entrance or above polling grounds on election day. It makes such violations a misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail. The law specifically targets drone activity near voting locations to prevent potential disruptions, without affecting commercial drone operators with FAA approval or law enforcement use. It applies only to election day operations at designated polling sites.

Maddy summaryHB 5217 requires write-in candidates for most elected offices in West Virginia (excluding delegates to national conventions) to pay a filing fee and submit a sworn certificate of announcement. This certificate must include the candidate's name, address, intent to run, and sworn statement, and must be filed with election officials by specific deadlines (49 days before an election, or by the 5th day before an election if a vacancy occurs). Candidates who qualify as indigent (with very low income and limited resources) may be exempt from the fee. Once filed, the Secretary of State and county election officials will post the names of certified write-in candidates so that valid write-in votes can be counted.

Maddy summaryHB 5213 expands West Virginia's involuntary commitment pilot program to include Cabell, Berkeley, Hampshire, Morgan, and Ohio counties. It requires mental health centers to provide timely evaluations (in-person or via video when delays would occur) and explain commitment processes to individuals. The bill mandates quarterly audits of commitment applications to ensure clinical justification and establishes a process to develop standards for alternative transportation providers before they can be used. These changes directly affect mental health centers, courts, law enforcement, and the Department of Human Services in the pilot counties.

Maddy summaryHB 5221 increases civil penalties for political committees, candidates, and their treasurers who fail to file required campaign finance reports or submit grossly incomplete/inaccurate reports. It raises penalties from $10 per day to a maximum of $500 for a first violation and $1,000 for subsequent violations in the same election cycle. The bill requires the Secretary of State to provide written notice before imposing fines, grant up to 14 additional days for compliance, and allow payment plans. Unpaid fines exceeding 30 days must be referred to a debt collection agency. This affects all entities managing campaign finances in West Virginia elections.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 11) encourages West Virginia's K-12 students to design a new state highway route number shield for the 2026 anniversaries of the U.S. founding (250th) and the U.S. numbered highway system (100th). It directs the West Virginia Division of Highways and Department of Tourism to hold a statewide student design competition, requiring the shield to maintain federal safety standards for legibility while incorporating West Virginia identity. The winning design would be implemented gradually on state highways starting July 2027, replacing existing signs only as they wear out, and the student designer would receive legislative recognition. The resolution is procedural and non-binding, focusing on celebration and civic engagement rather than new policy.

Maddy summaryHR 9 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late West Virginia House Delegate Douglas John Skaff Jr. It expresses the House of Delegates' condolences to his family and commemorates his service, including his roles as a delegate representing multiple districts and as Minority Leader. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, acknowledging his career in public service, business, and community leadership. It was unanimously adopted by the House on February 5, 2026, the same day it was introduced.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 10) proposes approval of federal legislation (H.R. 5966), the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, which would establish a program to improve the Ohio River. The program would fund specific actions like cleaning polluted water, restoring fish habitats, controlling invasive species, and improving public access to the river. West Virginia directly benefits as 28% of the river’s length borders the state, providing drinking water for 700,000 residents and supporting local economies. The resolution itself does not create funding but formally supports the federal bill’s implementation. This is a procedural resolution endorsing the broader federal restoration effort.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies and expands cooperation between law enforcement agencies within West Virginia and with agencies in neighboring states. It defines key terms such as "criminal justice enforcement personnel" and "law-enforcement agency" to establish who can participate in joint efforts. The legislation allows agency heads to request temporary assistance for investigations, including sharing personnel, equipment, and technical resources, with written requests required except in emergencies involving immediate danger to life. Personnel assigned to other agencies retain their original benefits and jurisdiction while operating under the operational command of the host agency's leadership. Agreements must be filed with local circuit clerks to remain in effect.

Maddy summaryHB 5167, the Taxpayer Accountability for Public Service Act, requires candidates for any elected local, state, or public office in West Virginia to prove they have paid all personal property taxes or are in an approved payment plan. It mandates that candidates submit tax compliance certification when filing to run, and election officials must verify this with tax authorities before certifying candidates for the ballot. Exceptions allow candidates with approved payment plans or pending tax challenges to run. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage, with disqualification for false filings and removal from ballots for unpaid taxes without valid exceptions.