Del. Joe Parsons

Maddy summaryHB 3100 would align retirement and disability benefits for dependents of West Virginia State Police officers who take disability retirement with the benefits provided to dependents of officers who retire after 20 years of service. Currently, dependents of disability retirees receive less than those of regular retirees under the existing §15-2-33 formula. The bill proposes amending the law to ensure surviving spouses and dependents of disability retirees receive the same monthly benefit amount as those of regular retirees - calculated as three-fourths of the retired officer's benefits (with a minimum $5,000 annual payment). This change directly affects dependents of State Police officers who must leave service due to disability before reaching 20 years. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee after introduction on March 4, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3103 would exempt the first $2,000 of retirement benefits received from West Virginia public employee systems, state teachers' retirement systems, or qualifying federal retirement systems from West Virginia personal income tax. This tax modification applies to retirees moving to West Virginia or already residing there, directly affecting individuals receiving these retirement benefits. The bill amends Section 11-21-12 of West Virginia's tax code to exclude this portion of retirement income from taxable income. It aims to encourage retirees to relocate to or remain in West Virginia by reducing their state tax burden on retirement income. The bill is currently pending in the House Finance Committee after its March 4, 2025, introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 3115 expands expungement eligibility in West Virginia to include individuals who plead guilty to certain misdemeanors after successfully completing pre-trial diversion or deferred adjudication programs. It allows these individuals to petition a circuit court for the removal of all related arrest, charge, and misdemeanor conviction records, treating the matter as if it never occurred. The process requires a 60-day waiting period after program completion, no filing fees, and mandates agencies to certify expungement within 60 days. This applies only to qualifying misdemeanors and excludes felony convictions, domestic violence cases involving family members, and records held by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Maddy summaryHB 2940 prohibits parking meters at all designated handicapped parking spaces in West Virginia, requiring their removal within 90 days of enactment. It eliminates late fees and penalties for individuals with valid disability parking permits who have unpaid parking citations, though standard parking violations (like misuse of spaces or fire lanes) remain enforceable. The bill applies to all public and private entities operating parking meters, including municipalities and private property owners. Violations by these entities may result in fines up to $500, enforced by the West Virginia Attorney General.

Maddy summaryHB 2864 requires the West Virginia Division of Labor to create and distribute a poster containing contact information and resource details for veterans' benefits and services. The poster must include eight specific resources, such as mental health treatment, education programs, tax benefits, and the Veterans Crisis Line. Employers with more than 50 full-time employees must display the poster prominently in their workplace and on their website.

Maddy summaryHB 2834 requires all West Virginia public schools to observe a one-minute period of silence at the start of each school day in every classroom. This applies directly to county school boards (which must implement the policy) and classroom teachers (who must ensure students remain seated and silent without suggesting any specific activity, such as prayer or meditation). The bill prohibits teachers from making recommendations about what students should do during the silence to avoid influencing their choices. It also mandates that the Office of the Attorney General defend the law if challenged legally. The policy aims to guarantee students' individual freedom to engage in silent reflection without state pressure.

Maddy summaryHB 2751 authorizes Mason County to levy a special sales tax on tangible personal property and services sold within the Town of Henderson's Economic Opportunity Development District. This tax, which would fund local economic development efforts, applies specifically to businesses operating in Henderson and requires no additional approval from the state development office. The bill amends state law to allow Mason County Commission to establish this district and set tax rates without seeking prior state authorization. It directly affects businesses selling goods or services in Henderson and directs the tax revenue toward supporting the town's economic growth.

Maddy summaryHB 2544 would remove the requirement for direct physician supervision for physician assistants and certified nurse practitioners in West Virginia. The bill repeals specific sections of state law (§30-3E-10a and §30-3E-11) that previously mandated in-person supervision and amends other provisions to prevent future rules requiring it. This change would allow these healthcare providers to practice more independently, as long as they maintain collaboration with a physician via telecommunication. The bill directly affects physician assistants and nurse practitioners by expanding their scope of practice under current collaborative frameworks.

Maddy summaryHB 2072 allows healthcare providers in West Virginia to refuse to perform, assist with, or accept patients for procedures related to sex reassignment or gender identity transitioning based on religious or conscientious objections. The bill defines "gender transition" as changing from one's biological sex and specifies that healthcare workers - including doctors, nurses, and facilities - may not face disciplinary action or liability for such refusals. It explicitly excludes emergency care, visitation rights, and health care decision-making from this provision, requiring providers to still offer emergency treatment under federal law. The bill also permits healthcare providers to sue if denied their right to object, with the Attorney General empowered to enforce compliance.