Del. Dave Foggin

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 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 4164, the "Election integrity and People’s vote protection act," requires poll workers at each West Virginia precinct to manually count physical ballots using the electronic voting machines' printed audit trail after polls close on election day. This manual count must be reconciled with the electronic tally to verify accuracy and detect discrepancies, involving election officials and authorized observers. The bill directly affects poll workers, county election offices, and the Secretary of State, who must develop training for implementation. It mandates this process for all elections using electronic voting machines, aiming to enhance transparency without changing voting methods.

Maddy summaryHB 4163 requires all West Virginia public agencies to maintain a publicly accessible online database tracking Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and outcomes. It protects the privacy of individuals making FOIA requests by mandating that their names, contact details, and other personal information be redacted from all public records and databases. Agencies must update their online FOIA logs within 90 days of the law’s passage and face penalties, including potential damages of up to $5,000 per violation, for failing to redact personal information. This bill directly affects government agencies handling FOIA requests and all residents who submit such requests.

Maddy summaryHB 4069 would remove West Virginia's current requirement that motorcycle operators and passengers wear helmets meeting specific safety standards (ANSI Z90.1, DOT FMVSS 218, or Snell) and eye protection meeting ANSI Z2.1 standards. The bill specifically targets sections (a) and (b) of existing law §17C-15-44, which mandate these safety equipment requirements. If passed, this change would directly affect all motorcycle riders and passengers in West Virginia, eliminating the legal obligation for helmets and eye protection. The bill does not alter other motorcycle safety rules, such as handlebar height limits, seating positions, or rearview mirror requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2067, the West Virginia Firearms Liability Clarification Act, clarifies that firearm owners or sellers are generally not liable for civil lawsuits related to firearms they lawfully possess or transfer, unless negligence or intentional misconduct is proven. This law directly affects firearm owners, sellers, and businesses involved in gun transactions by limiting their civil liability in specific scenarios. The bill, now law after being approved by the Governor on April 25, 2025, establishes clear legal standards to prevent frivolous lawsuits targeting lawful firearm activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill simplifies the process for handling small estates in West Virginia that do not include real property (like a house). It allows heirs to transfer assets valued at $50,000 or less using a sworn affidavit instead of requiring court-appointed personal representatives. The affidavit must detail the decedent’s death, assets, heirs, and confirm no pending court proceedings. This directly affects individuals inheriting small estates without real property, removing the need for bonds or court oversight while ensuring creditors are paid.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 24) requests the West Virginia Division of Highways to rename bridge number 52-250/00-009.13 (currently known as Littleton Bridge) in Wetzel County as the "Postlethwait Brothers Memorial Bridge." It honors four brothers - Clarence, John Lloyd, Frank, and George Postlethwait - who served in multiple wars (World War II, Korea, Vietnam) with distinguished military careers. The resolution, which passed unanimously on April 12, 2025, directs the Division of Highways to install signage identifying the bridge with this new name.

Maddy summaryHB 2571 requires West Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles to provide towing companies with immediate 24/7 access to vehicle owner information. This directly affects towing businesses and vehicle owners, as it eliminates delays in contacting owners of towed or impounded vehicles. The bill mandates the DMV to create or adjust a portal system so tow companies can quickly verify owner details, preventing unnecessary charges that accumulate while seeking this information. The key provision (Section 17A-2A-7(7)) specifically authorizes this access "for use in providing notice to the owners of towed or impounded vehicles." This is a procedural change to DMV services, not a new tax or regulation.

Maddy summaryHCR 88 is a ceremonial resolution honoring two West Virginia first responders nominated for the Medal of Valor. It specifically recognizes Captain Donald Lawson (New Martinsville Police) for rescuing two people from carbon monoxide poisoning despite his own hospitalization, and Darrell Lambert (Lake Volunteer Firefighter) for entering a burning building without protective gear to save a trapped resident, sustaining burns in the process. The resolution formally confirms the Legislature's approval of their award and directs the House Clerk to send a copy to Governor Morrisey. This is a symbolic honor with no new policy or funding changes, directly affecting only these two nominees. It passed unanimously in both chambers on April 3, 2025.