Del. Jonathan Pinson

Maddy summaryHB 4895 would create a $2,000 state income tax exemption for each unborn child carried by a West Virginia resident individual, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2027. The exemption applies to any pregnancy at any stage of development that is not aborted, as defined in the bill. This policy reduces taxable income for qualifying residents rather than providing direct cash payments. The bill directly affects West Virginia taxpayers who are pregnant and filing state income taxes.

Maddy summaryHCR 14 is a House Concurrent Resolution memorializing Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, who was fatally shot while speaking at a campus event in September 2025. The resolution honors his life, work advocating for free speech and conservative principles, and his efforts to engage young people in political discourse. It does not create new law or policy but formally commemorates his legacy through legislative recognition. The resolution was introduced in the House on January 27, 2026, and referred to the Judiciary committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4804 modifies retirement benefits for deputy sheriffs in West Virginia. It increases the retirement benefit calculation from 2.25% to 2.5% of a member’s final average salary for those retiring after July 1, 2018, directly affecting future retirees. The bill also raises benefits for deputy sheriffs who are totally disabled and allows counties to pay higher fees into the Deputy Sheriff Retirement Fund. These changes aim to provide greater financial security for retired deputy sheriffs while adjusting funding mechanisms for the retirement system.

Maddy summaryHB 4802 provides a state tax credit for businesses rehabilitating certified historic buildings in West Virginia. It offers a 10% credit on rehabilitation costs for certified historic structures, increasing to 25% for projects completed after December 2017 with specific certification. The bill allows phased rehabilitation projects (e.g., multi-stage renovations) where credits can be claimed for each completed phase, subject to final project certification. To qualify, property owners must be current on all taxes (state, local, and property taxes) and meet federal historic preservation standards. This credit directly affects property owners and developers of certified historic buildings seeking to offset state business tax liability.

Maddy summaryHB 4806 would increase West Virginia sheriffs' salaries by 10% more than the salaries paid to County Clerks and Circuit Clerks. This bill directly affects sheriffs in all West Virginia counties, requiring counties to first prove their fiscal health through an auditor's certification before the raise takes effect. Sheriffs must also submit a written request for the increase to their county clerk's office by the effective date. The changes would apply to salaries paid starting July 1, 2026, following the bill's introduction in January 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 4803 amends West Virginia's Deputy Sheriff Retirement System to allow the Consolidated Public Retirement Board to set county commission contribution rates (capped at 13% of payroll) based on actuarial calculations. It adds a new provision for an annual 1% cost-of-living adjustment to retirement benefits for eligible deputy sheriff retirees aged 60+ and surviving spouses. The bill modifies contribution rules, requiring counties to pay rates determined by the board rather than fixed percentages. This directly affects current and future deputy sheriff retirees, their families, and county governments funding the retirement system.

Maddy summaryHB 4805 requires first responders (such as police or emergency medical personnel) at motor vehicle crashes involving hazardous materials to notify a public safety answering point to request a West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)-approved cleanup company. The bill mandates that the DEP ensure hazardous materials are contained, cleaned up, and reclaimed promptly and effectively after such incidents. This law directly affects first responders, DEP-approved cleanup companies, and communities near crash sites where environmental hazards occur. It establishes a standardized process for environmental cleanup following vehicle accidents without imposing new fees or altering existing liability rules.

Maddy summaryHB 4795 modifies West Virginia's foster care rules to clarify when children can be removed from foster homes. It requires the state department to temporarily remove children from foster homes if abuse/neglect allegations are verified, and permanently end foster placements only if the foster parents are at fault or other specific conditions are met (like a child turning 14 requesting to stay). The bill also mandates that foster parents apply to adopt within 30 days after a child's biological parents' rights are terminated, or the foster care arrangement may end if a better long-term placement is found. Additionally, it requires the department to notify foster or adoptive parents of siblings when a new child enters care, aiming to keep siblings together when possible.

Maddy summaryHB 4794 requires all high school students in West Virginia to pass a test on the U.S. Constitution to graduate. The State Board of Education must create the test, which mandates an 85% passing score and makes content publicly available. Students who fail can retake the test weekly until they meet the threshold. This applies to all high school students in grades 9-12 and takes effect July 1, 2026. The bill aims to ensure graduating seniors demonstrate foundational knowledge of constitutional principles.

Maddy summaryHB 4796 establishes a Central Reception Center to provide short-term care (max 72 hours) for foster children disrupted from placements, including behavioral assessments and case coordination. It also creates "Emergency Resource Homes" to offer immediate overnight foster care, requiring specialized training for caregivers, financial incentives, and prioritization for adolescents, justice-involved youth, and children with special needs. The West Virginia Department of Human Services must contract with at least two 24/7 Central Reception Centers and expand Emergency Resource Homes statewide, with annual reports tracking child placements, success rates, and recruitment progress. This bill directly affects foster children awaiting placements and the state’s child welfare system, replacing practices like hotel placements by formalizing emergency care pathways.