Del. Scot Heckert

Maddy summaryHB 4436 requires that child abuse and neglect investigations by West Virginia's Child Protective Services (CPS) must conduct face-to-face interviews with children at designated Child Advocacy Centers (CACs), where available. This directly affects children involved in CPS cases, CPS workers, and local CACs that would serve as the mandated interview location. The bill amends existing law to specify that interviews must occur at a CAC under county protocol, aiming to provide a more child-friendly environment during sensitive questioning. It does not create new centers but mandates using existing ones when accessible, focusing on improving interview conditions for child safety.

Maddy summaryHB 4399 clarifies the definition of a "disabled veteran taxpayer" in West Virginia law to ensure consistency for property tax benefits. The bill specifically adds that a disabled veteran must have a 90% or greater service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or qualify for individual unemployability under VA disability ratings. This change directly affects disabled veterans who seek the property tax credit authorized under §11-13MM-4 of the code, as it defines eligibility more precisely. The bill does not alter tax rates or create new benefits, but ensures the existing credit applies only to veterans meeting the clarified VA disability standard.

Maddy summaryHB 4453 adjusts West Virginia's teacher salary schedule to increase pay for educators with 35 to 45 years of experience, directly affecting classroom teachers in the state. The bill updates the existing salary table to reflect higher compensation for these experienced teachers, while maintaining the current $600 annual supplement for teachers with 20+ years of experience. It also specifies that math teachers certified in their subject and teaching math 60%+ of the time will count as having three additional years of experience for salary purposes. The changes apply to the 2026-2027 school year and beyond, modifying how experience years are calculated for salary determination.

Maddy summaryHB 4451, the Veteran Justice Act, creates a program allowing eligible veterans charged with certain offenses to avoid a criminal conviction or have a felony reduced to a misdemeanor. It applies to veterans with military-related conditions like PTSD, TBI, or substance use disorder (SUD) that contributed to their offense, provided the crime is probation-eligible and not excluded (e.g., murder, sexual assault). Eligible veterans enter a court-supervised program involving evidence-based treatment tailored to their military service challenges, a personalized case plan, and probation instead of incarceration. If they successfully complete the plan, they avoid conviction; failure results in standard sentencing. The bill excludes serious crimes like human trafficking and requires verification of veteran status using federal databases like SQUARES.

Maddy summaryHB 4370 would allow individuals with a valid West Virginia concealed handgun permit to carry concealed firearms on the State Capitol grounds and inside the Capitol building. Permit holders must show their permit and firearm upon request when entering the building. However, concealed carry would be prohibited in the Governor's office and the Supreme Court chambers (including the third and fourth floors of the East wing). The Senate and House of Delegates would also have the authority to create their own rules for firearm carrying in their respective chamber galleries and floors.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a property tax exemption for homeowners in West Virginia whose household income meets federal poverty guidelines. It directly affects low-income homeowners who occupy their property as their primary residence and pay school excess levies (the portion of property taxes funding schools beyond regular levies). To qualify, applicants must file an annual application between July 1 and December 1 with proof of income, residency, and property ownership, and meet residency requirements (two years in WV or specific return-from-out-of-state rules). The exemption applies only to school excess levy taxes - not regular property taxes - and must be renewed yearly.

Maddy summaryHB 4374 allows off-duty and retired law enforcement officers (LEOs) to carry concealed handguns in the West Virginia State Capitol Complex, including the Capitol building and grounds, under specific conditions. It directly affects current and retired LEOs who meet agency requirements and out-of-state officers covered by the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA). Key provisions require officers to show agency-issued credentials when requested, prohibit carrying in the Governor’s office, Supreme Court chambers, and certain other areas, and specify that officers must comply with their agency’s firearm policies. The bill does not override federal restrictions or apply to officers denied concealed carry permits.

Maddy summaryHB 4365 modifies West Virginia's accessory-to-crime laws. It removes the legal protection previously granted to domestic partners of felony offenders, meaning they can now be charged as accessories after the fact (unlike spouses or family members). The bill also eliminates the prior restriction preventing servants from being considered accessories. Additionally, it specifies that close relatives (siblings, parents, children, or grandparents) who act as accessories to a felony commit a misdemeanor, not a felony, and clarifies that accessories to misdemeanors face misdemeanor penalties. These changes directly affect domestic partners, servants, and close family members who assist felony or misdemeanor offenders.

Maddy summaryHB 4372 allows K-12 teachers, administrators, and support staff in West Virginia to carry concealed firearms if certified as School Protection Officers (SPOs). To qualify, applicants must complete state-developed training (including firearms instruction) through the Department of Homeland Security, meet specific qualifications, and receive county superintendent approval. The bill creates a new SPO designation with mandatory certification requirements, replacing the general prohibition on weapons in schools for these designated staff. This policy change directly affects school employees who pursue SPO certification, altering existing restrictions under §61-7-11a of the West Virginia Code.

Maddy summaryHB 4368 defines "military-connected students" as children of active-duty, reserve, or deceased military members and establishes new enrollment and support rules for them in West Virginia schools. The bill allows remote school enrollment without physical registration using military orders (with options for temporary or permanent addresses), ensures equitable access to academic courses and extracurricular activities, and requires schools to provide counseling and support services when a parent is activated for duty. It also mandates prompt coordination for students with disabilities during transfers and permits military-connected students to remain at their school until completing the highest grade level offered there. These provisions directly affect military-connected students, their families, and local education agencies across West Virginia.