Del. Jonathan Pinson

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the Capitol Building Commission and Department of Administration to assess and address hazardous trees along California Avenue and Kanawha Boulevard on the State Capitol Complex grounds. The resolution requests an immediate evaluation of trees that have caused property damage through falling limbs and broken trunks over the past two years. It specifically asks officials to trim trees back to the grass side of sidewalks or remove and replace hazardous trees to protect public safety and state property. This non-binding resolution directs state agencies to take preventative maintenance actions without mandating specific enforcement measures.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 4604) amends West Virginia law to clarify payment procedures for public defender panel attorneys handling abuse and neglect cases. It requires attorneys to submit detailed time and expense records via electronic vouchers within 90 business days of case completion, with payments processed within 45 days if approved. If payments are rejected or reduced, the bill establishes a 15-day appeal process to the appointing court, prohibiting the requirement of privileged client information during disputes. The changes directly affect public defender offices and appointed attorneys, streamlining payment accountability without altering case handling standards.

Maddy summaryHCR 21 is a study resolution requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to examine whether West Virginia counties should direct a portion of new property tax revenue from large-scale investments (like manufacturing or energy projects) toward property tax relief for primary residence homeowners. The study would assess thresholds for "significant" revenue growth, prioritize relief for retirees, develop revenue allocation formulas, and analyze constitutional requirements for such a policy. It does not create new tax relief but evaluates feasibility and implementation details, including safeguards to maintain funding for schools and public safety. The committee must report findings by 2027, potentially leading to future legislation or constitutional amendments.

Maddy summaryHB 4067 would provide a child care subsidy for the children of employees working at least 20 hours per week in licensed child care centers or certified family child care homes in West Virginia, regardless of the employee's household income. The bill requires the state department to subsidize child care services at these facilities for the employees' children. This directly affects child care workers who currently may not qualify for subsidies based on income, ensuring they can access affordable care for their own children. The policy change eliminates income requirements for this specific subsidy program, focusing solely on the employee's work hours in the child care sector.

Maddy summaryHB 5680 establishes a system requiring all West Virginia state agency rules to automatically expire after set periods (2, 4, or 6 years) unless agencies prove their necessity. Agencies must justify renewal with "clear and convincing evidence" showing each rule is legally authorized, necessary for public safety, cost-effective, and not duplicative. This "zero-based review" shifts the burden of proof entirely to agencies, mandating they demonstrate benefits outweigh compliance costs and restrictions on businesses, citizens, and healthcare providers. The bill creates a new oversight commission and requires annual reductions in regulatory burdens, aiming to eliminate outdated or unnecessary rules without requiring legislative action for each repeal.

Maddy summaryHB 5654 would exempt retirement benefits received by West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Police Officers from the state's personal income tax. This directly affects current and future DNR Police Officers who receive retirement benefits under state retirement systems. The bill adds a new provision (§11-21-12o) to the tax code, removing the requirement for these officers to pay income tax on their retirement payments. The bill was introduced on February 17, 2026, and referred to the House Finance Committee for review.

Maddy summaryHB 5600 adds the West Virginia Fire Marshal's office as a formal representative to the Law-Enforcement Professional Standards Subcommittee (LEPS). This subcommittee oversees law enforcement officer training, certification, and inactive certification reinstatement. The bill amends existing law to include the Fire Marshal's office as the twelfth member on the committee, alongside current representatives from state police, sheriffs, police associations, and other entities. This change directly affects the LEPS committee's composition and ensures fire marshal input in professional standards decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 5624 amends West Virginia's asbestos abatement regulations by updating key definitions, including terms like "asbestos," "asbestos abatement project," and "asbestos contractor." The bill repeals section §16-32-9c and revises sections §16-32-2, §16-32-11, and §16-32-15 to modernize the regulatory framework. This directly affects asbestos contractors, workers, inspectors, and management planners who handle asbestos-containing materials. The provided text does not detail additional specific requirements beyond the revised definitions, as the bill focuses on clarifying terminology for compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 5621, the "Prosecutor FOIA Bill," would amend West Virginia law to explicitly exempt records held by prosecuting attorneys related to criminal investigations from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. This change would prevent the public from accessing case files, investigative materials, and other documents maintained by county prosecutors' offices. The bill specifically targets the exemption for "records and materials relating to the detection and investigation of crime which are received and maintained by a prosecuting attorney," making this provision clearer and more specific. As a result, the public would have fewer avenues to obtain such records through FOIA requests.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative House resolution honoring former West Virginia House Speaker and Chief Justice Timothy P. Armstead following his passing. It memorializes his service, names a conference room in the House as the "Speaker Tim Armstead Memorial Conference Room," and extends condolences to his family. The resolution does not create new laws or affect policy - it formally recognizes his legacy and contributions to West Virginia.