Del. Dave Foggin

Maddy summaryHB 2547 raises the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) threshold for retired municipal police officers, firefighters, and employees of water/sewage systems from $15,000 to $45,000 of their annual pension benefit. This means more of their retirement income will be adjusted annually for inflation based on the U.S. consumer price index, rather than just the first $15,000. The bill modifies existing law (§8-22-26a) to expand the portion of pension benefits subject to COLA increases, which currently caps adjustments at $15,000. It directly affects retirees in these specific public safety and utility roles who receive supplemental pension benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 2716 creates a tax credit against West Virginia's severance tax for private companies that spend on highway infrastructure improvements or coal facility upgrades. Eligible businesses - those paying severance tax on coal production - can claim the credit for qualified expenses like road construction, mine equipment, or facility repairs. Companies must apply for certification before claiming the credit, and unused credits can be carried forward or transferred to other entities. The bill aims to encourage private investment in infrastructure projects tied to coal operations and highway improvements.

Maddy summaryHB 2623 abolishes the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Act (PEIA) and requires that beginning January 1, 2026, health, dental, and vision insurance for state employees be provided through four-year contracts with private insurers. The bill repeals all existing PEIA code sections and establishes new minimum requirements for these contracts. This change directly affects all state employees and their dependents who currently receive coverage under PEIA. The bill does not specify insurer details but mandates the contract-based system as the new standard for state employee benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 2537 would amend West Virginia law to allow landlords to serve eviction notices by posting them conspicuously on the rental property (e.g., on the front door) with photographic evidence, instead of requiring personal delivery, if a tenant refuses to accept service. This change directly affects landlords seeking evictions and tenants who avoid being served personally. The bill specifies that landlords must attach photos of the posted notice to court filings as proof. It does not alter eviction standards but streamlines the service process for landlords when tenants evade contact. The bill is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2423 prohibits individuals or entities from charging fees for assisting veterans with benefits claims, except as allowed under federal law. It specifically bans compensation for preparing, presenting, or advising on veterans' benefits claims, referring clients to such services, guaranteeing specific benefit amounts, or charging excessive fees (using federal fee guidelines). The bill requires written agreements outlining fees before services begin, aligning with federal regulations (38 C.F.R. §14.636). Violations would be treated as breaches of West Virginia’s Consumer Credit and Protection Act. This directly affects veterans’ service providers (e.g., attorneys, advocates) and veterans seeking assistance with VA claims.

Maddy summaryHB 2539 would provide a 25% discount on lodging and services at West Virginia State Parks for residents who present a valid West Virginia driver's license or state ID card. The bill directly affects West Virginia residents seeking to use state park facilities, requiring documented residency to qualify for the reduced fees. It amends state code to mandate this discount through the director of state parks, applying only to fees for lodging and services exclusively used by residents. The bill was introduced on February 18, 2025, and referred to the House Finance Committee, but has not yet been enacted into law.

Maddy summaryHB 2572 would amend West Virginia Code §20-2-22a to remove the prohibition against hunting bears using bait during hunting seasons when deer and bear hunting overlap. This change specifically allows hunters to use bait for deer hunting during concurrent seasons without violating bear hunting restrictions. The bill directly affects hunters participating in deer hunting seasons where bait is permitted, enabling them to hunt bears in those same areas without needing separate authorization. The key provision eliminates the current ban in Section (d)(3) that prohibits bear hunting "through the use of bait" during such concurrent seasons.

Maddy summaryHB 2536 requires full cash bail for individuals rearrested for violent or gun-related crimes while on bail for a prior similar offense. It applies specifically to people already out on bond for violent or gun-related crimes who commit another offense in that category. The bill mandates cash-only bail (no bail bondsmen allowed) and requires consecutive sentencing if the person is convicted of the new crime. This changes bail procedures and sentencing for repeat offenders in specific violent or gun crime cases.

Maddy summaryHB 2546 would eliminate West Virginia's observance of daylight saving time by permanently adopting Eastern Standard Time (EST) as the state's official time, effective July 1, 2025. This change would apply to all public schools, colleges, state agencies, and local governments, removing the need for biannual clock adjustments. The bill amends existing law to replace the current daylight saving time schedule with a fixed EST schedule, meaning the state would no longer advance or reset clocks in spring or fall. As a result, West Virginia would remain on EST year-round without seasonal time changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2545 would reverse West Virginia's current ban on corporal punishment in public schools by amending state law to authorize principals to administer "moderate corporal punishment" under policies set by the State Board of Education and county school boards. The bill directly affects public school students in West Virginia, as it would permit this disciplinary method for disruptive behavior. Key provisions require school districts to adopt policies encouraging alternatives to corporal punishment, provide training on those alternatives, and involve parents in discipline decisions. The law would not define "moderate" punishment but mandates that school personnel follow established district policies when using this method.