Rep. Jonathan Pinson

Maddy summaryHB 4415 amends West Virginia law to explicitly include federal correctional facilities in existing statutes prohibiting the smuggling of prohibited items into correctional settings. The bill makes it a misdemeanor to deliver items like food, clothing, or money without permission (fines up to $500, jail up to 12 months) and a felony to transport weapons, drugs, escape tools, or telecommunications devices (fines $1,000-$5,000, prison 1-10 years). It directly affects individuals attempting to smuggle contraband into federal prisons located within West Virginia, such as visitors, family members, or others delivering unauthorized items. The law updates prior penalties for smuggling into state facilities to apply uniformly to federal correctional institutions.

Maddy summaryHB 4393 requires West Virginia's Department of Human Services (DoHS) to create and implement a statewide prevention plan by February 1, 2027. The plan must provide trauma-informed, evidence-based services to children under 18 and their families - including youth in foster care, pregnant and parenting youth, those aging out of foster care (up to age 21), post-adoption youth, and families with economic or safety needs. DoHS must ensure providers offer accessible services (combining telehealth and physical locations), track outcomes, and report annually on service usage, costs, and results by county. The plan also aims to qualify for federal matching funds under the Family First Prevention Services Act by 2028.

Maddy summaryThe West Virginia Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Growth Act creates a new program within the West Virginia Department of Commerce to support aerospace and advanced manufacturing businesses. The program will identify qualifying projects (including manufacturing, maintenance, and research of aircraft components), assign a dedicated liaison to assist with development and access to existing state tax incentives, and maintain confidential records of these projects. It also establishes a workforce training program to develop skilled workers for the aerospace industry. This bill directly affects aerospace companies and projects operating in West Virginia, such as those involved in aircraft assembly, engine production, and component manufacturing.

Maddy summaryHB 4573 requires West Virginia high schools to provide foster youth (current or former foster care) with information about post-secondary education, job training, housing, healthcare, and independent-living support before graduation. The bill mandates school counselors and graduation coaches receive training on these resources and directs the state Department of Education to create and maintain a Foster Youth Resource Guide. County school districts must ensure eligible students receive this pre-graduation information. The law aims to improve transition planning for foster youth entering adulthood, without requiring disclosure of a student’s foster care status.

Maddy summaryHB 4602 would require West Virginia's Department of Human Services (DHS) to create a 15-month pilot program contracting with private companies to provide administrative support staff for caseworkers in the Bureau of Social Services. The program would target districts with high caseloads, staffing vacancies, or high rates of children placed out-of-state in foster care, using technology to free up caseworkers' time for direct family interactions. DHS must maintain full oversight of all cases, ensure contracted aides meet similar qualifications as staff, and submit a report to the legislature on outcomes and recommendations. This pilot aims to improve caseworker capacity without changing existing staffing requirements or permanent agency structure.

Maddy summaryHB 4603 creates a new process for resolving certain criminal and juvenile cases without a formal court trial. It establishes a system allowing courts to offer alternatives like community service or counseling instead of a conviction for eligible cases, such as criminal charges that could lead to jail time or juvenile proceedings. The bill amends existing West Virginia law to define and incorporate this "pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition" process, specifying which cases qualify and how they are handled. This change aims to provide non-punitive resolutions for qualifying cases while streamlining court proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 5652 would amend West Virginia's hotel occupancy tax law to expand the definition of "hotel" to include campground sites. This change would allow county commissions to designate specific campgrounds as "hotels" for tax collection, requiring that any tax collected from these sites be specifically earmarked for public safety services within the county. The bill also clarifies key terms like "hotel operator" and "hotel room" to define the tax's scope more precisely. This amendment would directly affect campground operators (who might become liable for the tax if designated) and county governments (which would collect and allocate the funds). The proposal aims to extend the tax base to cover campgrounds while ensuring revenue supports public safety.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally recognizes President Donald J. Trump for various policies and actions that the West Virginia House of Delegates claims have benefited the state. The document highlights specific initiatives including regulatory reforms in the energy sector, tax relief measures, funding for rural healthcare, and programs aimed at reducing prescription drug costs and establishing investment accounts for newborns. It also cites border security improvements and drug control efforts as contributing factors to public safety and economic well-being. The resolution expresses appreciation for these actions and requests that the formal recognition be sent to the President.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life and legacy of the late West Virginia legislator Larry D. Kump, who passed away on February 28, 2026. The resolution formally expresses the House of Delegates' condolences to Kump's family and acknowledges his service as a representative for Berkeley County across three different terms. It recognizes his career in criminal justice and mediation, his commitment to limited government, and his role as a devoted family member and church leader. The document is a ceremonial tribute rather than a law that changes policy or affects public programs.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 13 is a West Virginia legislative resolution endorsing federal legislation (H.R. 5966), which would create the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program. If enacted, the program would fund projects to improve water quality, restore fish habitats, enhance flood resiliency, and expand recreational access across the Ohio River basin. It directly affects West Virginia residents who rely on the river for drinking water (700,000 people), economic activity, and recreation along its 277-mile border. The resolution clarifies the program would be non-regulatory, not creating new permits or legal claims, and aims to deliver clean water and economic benefits to communities in the Ohio River watershed.